Bel Air, Md. – The Harford Fighting Owls defeated the Monroe College Mustangs, 69-62, to earn the District C automatic bid into the NJCAA Division I National Championship, Friday night inside the APGFCU Arena.
 
This will be Harford's fourth year in a row that they head to Lubbock, Texas for "The Big Dance". The Fighting Owls also claimed their third District C Championship in the last four years, and continue to build upon another record breaking season by claiming their 31^st win.
 
Harford improves to 31-1 on the year. Monroe's season come to an end at 20-9.

How it Happened
Monroe took their only lead of the contest at the 3:28 mark in the first quarter, and held it until Dahnye Redd's three put Harford ahead 15-13 with 57 seconds left in the opening 10 minutes. Harford remained one or two baskets ahead from there, fending off Monroe's offensive advances through the next two quarters with their own scoring runs.
 
The Mustangs would cut Harford's lead down to three with 4:50 left to play in the fourth, but a 6-0 surge led by Olivia Owens and Redd elevated Harford's advantage to 62-53. This proved to be the difference, as Monroe were forced to put up quick shots and then foul Harford to stop the clock. The Fighting Owls made them pay, burying seven of their last 11 free throws in the final three minutes to claim the program's fourth district crown.

Game Notes

• Dahnye Redd produced her 29^th point/rebound double-double of the year, leading all players with 24 points and 11 rebounds.
• Ariana Fleming flanked Redd in the scoring department for the second straight game, scoring 14 points while also pulling down eight boards.
• Shawkina Mulazim earned her sixth double-double of the year (10 points, 11 rebounds) while also leading the team in steals (five).
• Olivia Owens was productive in limited action, scoring eight points in 12 minutes.
• Harford cleaned out Monroe in second chance points, outscoring the Mustangs 27-8.
• The Fighting Owls outrebound Monroe, 57-42.

Up Next 
Harford awaits the NJCAA Division I Tournament selection show to find out who their first round opponent will be.

The show will be held on Monday, March 11 at 11 a.m. free of charge on NJCAA TV, Facebook Live, and Twitter.