Columbia, MD - In a decisive tune-up ahead of the postseason, Howard Community College's men's basketball team earned a convincing 15-point victory over Montgomery College, winning 99–83 at the Kahlert Foundation Complex.

With the Dragons on top of Region 20 in terms of playoff positioning, and the #1 seed on the line, Howard delivered one of its most complete performances of the season.

Howard established control early, pushing the pace offensively while applying consistent pressure on the defensive end. An early seven points in the first half came from Sincere Barfield (Philadelphia, PA/Patterson). Barfield was the second leading scorer for the Dragons, finishing with 20 points on efficient shooting. Jake Tillman (Atlanta, GA/Lakeside) provided crucial points off the bench to extend Howard's lead. Tillman has been playing phenomenal in the second half of this season, becoming the leading scorer off the bench with 12 points and a perimeter jumper on the night. 

By the midway point of the first half, Howard had built a double-digit lead behind balanced scoring and aggressive play in transition. Montgomery responded with physical defense and inside scoring to keep the game within reach, but Howard maintained composure. At halftime, the Dragons held a twelve-point advantage.

Howard opened the second half with urgency, adding to the lead which eventually reached twenty five points six minutes into the second half. Having his best game since joining Howard Community College was Myles McDuffie (Baltimore, MD/Lake Clifton). He totaled a career high double-double, leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists. McDuffie scored thirty-one points, grabbed fourteen rebounds, and dished out four assists, all while attacking the basket constantly and knocking down fifteen free throws.

The offensive consistency from the two top scorers, and support from the team made coming back near impossible for Montgomery College. Their four players in double figures were not enough to keep them in the game.

The final buzzer sealed a 99-83 victory, a 16-point statement win heading into the postseason. Howard appears to be prepared for the challenge ahead. The Dragons have one last regular season contest before playoffs with a matchup on Wednesday, February 25 against rival CCBC Catonsville at 7:00 PM.