Wye Mills, MD - Chesapeake College handed Howard Community College a tough 62–59 loss last Friday night, pulling away late in a game that stayed competitive until the final minute.

There was a lot riding on this match up, as the #22 ranked Skipjacks and Dragons had previously battled in last season's Region 20 title game. Howard opened the night trying to push the tempo, with four straight points from Sincere Barfield (Philadelphia, PA/Patterson) who finished the game as the leading scorer with 18 points. Howard was in control for the entirety of the first half, moving the ball well, knocking down shots, and limiting clean looks at the rim. Howard built an eight-point 27–19 lead by halftime.

Chesapeake responded in the second half, sparked by steals and a momentum-swinging fast break dunk that brought the home crowd to life. Myles McDuffie (Baltimore, MD/Lake Clifton) tried to put a stop to the Skipjacks scoring, as he and Juan Bell (Silver Spring, MD/James Hubert Blake) ended the night with three steals a piece. As well as getting to the line efficiently, McDuffie was the second leading scorer on the Dragons with eleven points. 

Each time the Dragons threatened, Chesapeake answered. The Skipjacks hit several timely perimeter jumpers and drew fouls in the closing minutes, preventing Howard from keeping the lead. Down nine with just over three minutes to play, the Skipjacks went on a 12-0 run. The Dragons had a chance to close the gap, but could not manage to score in the final three minutes. A go-ahead three from Xavier Buchanan and free throws from Elisha Johnson-Dixon helped Chesapeake seal the win.

With the loss, Howard suffered its first setback after a four-game winning streak and a recent run of strong performances. The Dragons will attempt to bounce back in an away game against WVU Potomac State College on December 10 at 7:00 PM.