Columbia, MD - The Howard Community College Dragons wrapped up their regular season on Wednesday night with a tough 48-46 loss to CCBC Catonsville.

The Dragons had battled into position for the win, but a missed bucket with seconds left and a crucial foul by Catonsville spoiled the Dragons chances of a top-four seed in the Region 20 playoffs. The loss dropped the Dragons to 15-9 on the season.

Howard opened the contest on fire, jumping out to a 9-0 lead in the opening minutes. Excellent defensive play from Dye Boiro Balde (Girona, Spain/IES Vallvera) and a big three-pointer from Jaylah Putman (Jacksonville, FL/Long Reach) gave Howard all the momentum heading into the second. But Catonsville crawled back into the contest in the second, pouncing on Dragons foul trouble to get within four points. A clutch corner shot from Zakiyyah Brown (Upper Marlboro, MD/Friendship Collegiate Academy) brought the lead back to six, where it would stay at the half.

The Dragons' third quarter blues returned as they scored just six points out of the half. Unable to slow down Catonsville's forwards, the Dragons allowed two late layups to give Catonsville the lead heading into the fourth. The Cardinals threatened to pull away early, but Howard eased back into the contest. Mariah Ruth (Lancaster, PA/McCaskey) took control, hitting a deep three to tie the contest and another deep jumper to retake the lead. Foul trouble in the final minutes gave the Cardinals the lead back, but a sneaky steal by Tamir Whittle (Columbia, MD/Wilde Lake) set up a massive three from Ruth to tie the contest once more, this time with 1:30 left.

Persistent foul trouble gave the Cardinals the lead back, but Whittle's aggressive steals set up another play for the Dragons. Jaylah Putman (Jacksonville, FL/Long Reach) went for the go-ahead layup with 17 seconds left, but the shot missed and a Cardinal player was fouled. Catonsville aced their free throws, forcing the Dragons to go for a three to tie. Catonsville recognized this and quickly fouled Kayden Jeselskis (Baltimore, MD/Rosedale Christian Academy) with two seconds left. Jeselskis made the first, then intentionally missed the second to try and give the Dragons another chance. But Maleyah Bell grabbed the rebound for Catonsville, ending the contest with a Cardinal win.

Ruth finished the evening with a team-leading 12 points, three assists, and four steals. Asaani Offer (Annapolis, MD/Catonsville) managed seven points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Dye Boiro Balde (Girona, Spain/IES Vallvera) had a great defensive game, recording eight rebounds, five assists, and a block. Tamir Whittle (Columbia, MD/Wilde Lake) snagged seven steals along with five points.

The Dragons are currently seeded fifth in the upcoming Region 20 tournament, and will most likely face fourth-seeded WVU Potomac State College on Wednesday, March 5th.