BEL AIR, Md. - The Harford men's basketball team dropped its fourth-straight MDJUCO match on Friday, losing 98-91 to Essex. The Fighting Owls trailed by as many as 20 in the second half, but fought back, trimming the Knight lead to just four on multiple occassions, but could not get over the hump.

Lionel Perkins finished with a game-high 27 points, including five 3-pointers in the loss. He also had four assists and five rebounds. Most of his assists were to Pernell Murray, who had his best game in a collegiate uniform with 10 points and eight rebounds. He shot 5-of-10 from the floor and committed just one turnover while pulling in five offensive rebounds.

Jada Johnson scored 24 points and shot 14-for-16 from the free throw line. Desi Johnson added nine points, while Jeff Joynes scored seven and Brandon Selby and Adam Fongyen tallied six while being strapped with foul trouble.

The Fighting owls return to the hardwood on Monday against Howard with a 7 p.m. tip-off.