BEL AIR, Md. – Thursday night's duel between Harford and CCBC-Essex featured arguably the two best women's basketball teams in the Maryland JUCO Conference.
Despite a blistering start in front of a lively home crowd, the Fighting Owls suffered their first defeat via a 67-63 decision to the Knights.
Jada Lake led Harford with 18 points, while
Zaria Newson fell two blocks shy of a triple-double (12 points, 17 rebounds).
Harford is now 8-1 (0-1 MD JUCO), while Essex moves to 11-1 (2-0).
Turning Point
The Fighting Owls saw their 19-point halftime lead evaporate during the final two quarters. While Harford struggled to find their shooting form in the last 20 minutes (6-for-28), Essex bounced back from a slow open to score 45 points.
Foul trouble also hindered Harford's chance at a comeback, as the ladies in blue were left with just five players late in the fourth quarter. Essex would capitalize off this and knock down 13 of their 15 free throws in the second half.
Box Score Highlights
- Tsahai Corbie tallied 15 points.
- Demeya Felder led all Harford players with four assists and three steals. She also contributed nine points and 11 boards.
- The Fighting Owls outrebounded Essex, 50-38.
- Both teams sank 19 shots each in the contest.
- Harford's 29% field goal percentage and 12% mark from three is their worst this season.
- The Fighting Owls hit the double digit mark in blocks for the third time this year.
Up Next
Harford heads to Lake Worth, Florida for the Panther Holiday Classic hosted by Palm Beach State.
They will take on the tournament host Panthers (December 14) and Indian River State (December 15).
