Arnold, MD - It had been an uneasy week around Howard Community College's men's basketball program. Four tough losses in a row had sent the Dragons back to the drawing board, searching for a spark. That spark arrived the moment the Dragons stepped onto the court to face the Anne Arundel Community College Riverhawks.

From the opening tip, HCC played like a team determined to reclaim its identity. Freshman guard Evin Thompson (Silver Spring, MD/Sherwood), making his first start, set the tone. Thompson finished at the rim for the Dragons' first field goal of the day. TaJir Webster (Waldorf, MD/St. Charles) assisted Thompson on the play, and followed it up with back-to-back buckets in the paint.

Howard's defense was suffocating. Every Anne Arundel shot attempt was met by swarming black and burgundy jerseys. Sophomore guard Myles McDuffie (Baltimore, MD/Lake Clifton) was the leading scorer for the visiting team, finishing 19 points and 9 rebounds. By halftime, HCC had built a commanding double-digit lead. 

Jake Tillman (Atlanta, GA/Lakeside) caught fire in the second period, draining three threes to earn his season high. Tillman was the second leading scorer off the bench, finishing with 15 points. Evin Thompson (Silver Spring, MD/Sherwood) was the third Dragon in double figures, ending the game with 10 points.

Howard shot 56% from the field and over 50% from beyond the arc. As well as out-rebounding the Riverhawks by ten, the excellent shooting and defense propelled the Dragons to a blowout 87-63 win.

Howard Community College is back on track, improving to an even 4-4 on the season. They take action again on Saturday, November 22 against Frederick Community College at 2:00 PM in the inagural Hall of Fame Classic!