Baltimore, Md. – Harford kicked off the Charm City Classic with an 88-77 win over the defending NJCAA Division II National Champion Monroe Community College Trojans, Friday night at Baltimore City Community College.

Shawkina Mulazim picked up right where she left off on Thursday night, earning several trips to the free throw line in the first 10 minutes to put Harford ahead 20-11. Monroe, who came into the contest ranked No. 1 in the preseason NJCAA D-II Polls, cut into Harford's lead during the second quarter but still trailed the Fighting Owls 40-35 at the break.

Harford's offense caught fire in the third quarter, led by Dahnye Redd's 6-of-7 clip from the floor. The Tribunes went the opposite way, scrounging together a measly 10 points on 4-of-21 shooting while falling behind 68-45.

Monroe showed why they are the defending national champions in the fourth, knocking down several huge three-pointers to come within 11 points of the lead with just under four minutes to play. In the end the deficit proved to be too much for the Trojans, as they'd watch Harford sink 10 of their final 12 free throws to snuff out the late rally.

 Game Notes

• Dahnye Redd earned her seventh straight double-double, piling up 21 points and 15 rebounds.
• Mulazim followed up Thursday's triple-double with another box stuffing night, tallying 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals.
• Elaija DeMeza also nearly finished with a double-double (12 points, eight rebounds)
• Harford led the Tribunes on the night in points off turnovers (30-20) and second chance points (20-7).
• The Fighting Owls also outrebounded Monroe, 61-42.

Up Next
Harford kicks off December with day off before facing Harcum on Sunday in their final game of the Charm City Classic.

The Bears hold a 6-0 record coming into the tournament.