Iowa Falls, IA - The #20-ranked Howard Community College Dragons scored a statement victory Saturday night, defeating the #5-ranked Ellsworth Community College Panthers 89-77 in their second game of their three-game Iowa road trip.
Howard never trailed in their dominant performance, leading by as many as 18-points in the contest. The win moves the Dragons to 4-2 on the season, and gives Howard their first ranked win of the year.
The Dragons took an early lead right from tip off, as
Aiden Igwebe scored seconds into the contest to set the tone. Howard quickly jumped out to a double digit lead, thanks both to excellent shooting from
RJ Greene and Igwebe, and a lock-down defense courtesy of
David Rushing.
Evin Thompson continued his recent hot streak, knocking down multiple three-pointers to keep the Dragons ahead deep into the period.
Ellsworth would fight back into the contest just before the half, but they never fully got back into the game. Howard's defense continued to pester the Panthers' shooters, while their own perimeter shooting refused to miss. Howard reopened their double digit lead with ten minutes to go, held off one final comeback attempt from the Panthers, before taking the 89-77 win.
Greene led the Dragons with 19 points, three rebounds, and six assists, while Igwebe had a career night with 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Jamar Payen added 14 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Thompson scoreed 13 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Kalvyne Eby had 13 points and five rebounds, while Rushing added seven points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Jordan Noel scored five points, two blocks, and four rebounds.
The Dragons wrap up their Iowa road trip tomorrow at 4:00 PM as they face #25-ranked Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
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