Columbia, MD - The thrill-ride of a season for the Howard Community College Dragons continued last Friday as they defeated the Harford Community College Fighting Owls 58-43.

In a defensive clash, the Dragons knocked off the Division I Owls for arguably their most important victory of the season. Making the win extra special was that it came against former Dragons head coach Marvin Evans.

Howard dropped behind 7-3 in the opening minutes before storming back to take the lead. Solid shooting by Zakiyyah Brown (Upper Marlboro, MD/Friendship Collegiate Academy) and Jaylah Putman (Jacksonville, FL/Long Reach) gave the Dragons a 13-10 lead after one. The contest remained a low-scoring affair in the second, with neither team scoring more than eight points. Howard's points came from free throws, as the Fighting Owls aggressive play in the paint got them into foul trouble. McKenzi Walters (Falls Church, VA/George C. Marshall) recorded the only offensive points for the Dragons with a tough layup to give Howard a 21-16 halftime lead.

Both offenses woke up in the third quarter with a flurry of points. Howard dominated in the paint, relying on tough baskets from Asaani Offer (Annapolis, MD/Catonsville) and Hannah Chambers (Columbia, MD/Hammond) to maintain their scant lead. Harford's attempts to fight back fell short, and persistent foul trouble kept the Dragons in the game. Leading 38-31 with one quarter to go, the Dragons opened the game up with four straight fastbreak layups. Despite being up by double-digits, the Dragons kept their foot on the gas. A Mariah Ruth (Lancaster, PA/McCaskey) three in the final minute put the contest away, giving Howard their ninth straight victory.

Asaani Offer (Annapolis, MD/Catonsville) was the leading scorer for the Dragons with 12 points, eight rebounds, and four steals. Hannah Chambers (Columbia, MD/Hammond) scored a double-double, recording eleven points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and two steals. Ruth added eight points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Nicole Forbes (Reston, VA/South Lakes) came off the bench to add eight points, and six rebounds, while Jaylah Putman (Jacksonville, FL/Long Reach) added seven points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Tamir Whittle (Columbia, MD/Wilde Lake) added six points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

The Dragons next game against Delaware Tech was canceled due to inclement weather, setting up a Monday showdown with Anne Arundel's club team at 5:00 PM.