Columbia, MD - Howard Community College's women's basketball team fought hard but came up short in a competitive contest against Montgomery College last Friday, losing 56-44 to the Raptors.

Howard was forced to play from behind to start Friday's game. It was a slow opening quarter to set the tone, and the Dragons found themselves looking at a fourteen point deficit after one. Savannah Price (Woodbridge, VA/Freedom) came to life in the second quarter, with ten points and two threes to give a boost to the Dragons' offense. Price was the leading scorer and rebounder off the bench, finishing with fourteen points, seven rebounds, and knocking down all four free throws.  

Montgomery's offense was clicking while they were attacking the paint and controlling the tempo, eventually taking a nine point lead into halftime. The third quarter proved to be very even. Howard found rhythm offensively, outscoring the Raptors in back to back quarters after a slow start. Naomi Williams (Odenton, MD/Meade) earned her season high, scoring 13 points, four rebounds, and three steals. 

Howard attempted to mount a late push in the fourth quarter, trying to tighten up defensively and cut the deficit to single digits. However, Montgomery executed down the stretch, converting key free throws and securing crucial rebounds to close out the game. The loss puts the Dragons in a must-win situation if they wish to make the Region 20 playoffs. They'll have to defeat rivals CCBC Catonsville on February 25 at 5:00 PM in their biggest game of the season.