BEL AIR, Md. — Harford Community College used a relentless offensive attack and stifling defense to earn a 102-45 victory over Baltimore City Community College on Monday night at the APG Federal Credit Union Arena, extending its winning streak to five straight.
The Fighting Owls (9-5, 7-2 Maryland Juco Athletic Conference) jumped out early and never looked back, building a commanding lead in the first quarter and cruising to the lopsided win over the Panthers (1-16, 1-8). Harford's balanced scoring and efficiency from both inside and beyond the arc helped seal one of its most decisive wins of the season.
Harford's Nehir Safkan (Mersin, Turkey) led all scorers with 31 points on 15-of-26 shooting, including a three-pointer, while also tallying three assists and one steal in 30 minutes.
"We played together so well for all four quarters tonight," Safkan said. "I was getting open, but it was my teammates that kept getting me the ball. I've been working on my pullup jump shot a lot lately and I think that is another reason I had such a good game tonight."
Ayca Kazak (Samsun, Turkey) added 20 points and knocked down six three-pointers, helping Harford stretch its lead throughout the contest. Sanaiya Edmond (Paint Branch) contributed 13 points and a team-high eight assists, facilitating the offense and keeping the Panthers on their heels. Amya Goodsell (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel) scored 11 points and Caryne Nelson (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel) added 10 points, as all five starters finished with 10+ points apiece.
Harford's offense was efficient throughout the night, shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three-point range (12-29), while Baltimore City shot just 26.0 percent from the floor and 13.3 percent from deep. Free-throw shooting also favored the Fighting Owls, who made 8 of 15 attempts compared to the Panthers' 5 of 10.
The Fighting Owls set the tone early with a dominant first quarter, outscoring Baltimore City 29-7 behind hot shooting and aggressive rebounding. Harford's attack featured crisp ball movement and balance.
In the second quarter, Harford maintained its pace, scoring 20 points and limiting the Panthers to 16. Kazak continued to stretch the defense with perimeter shooting and Edmond's playmaking kept Baltimore City's defenders scrambling.
Harford extended its advantage in the second half, outscoring the Panthers 33-8 in the third quarter to effectively put the game out of reach. The defense forced 29 turnovers in the game and disrupted Baltimore City's rhythm, holding them to limited opportunities and poor shooting efficiency.
Harford's pressure defense led to easy baskets and fast breaks, contributing to a large scoring differential. Harford finished with 45 points off turnovers, while Baltimore City managed just 12 points on Harford giveaways.
In the fourth quarter, Harford continued its offensive onslaught, adding 20 more points to bring the final margin to 102-45. The Owls' bench also contributed, combining for 17 points and helping maintain the team's momentum when starters rested.
Defensively, Harford pressured the Panthers into difficult shots all night. Baltimore City finished with only 42 defensive rebounds and 15 offensive rebounds, but Harford's quick rotations and ability to contest shots limited second-chance points. Harford also recorded 25 assists, showcasing unselfish offense and strong ball movement.
Harford's rebounding effort was solid as well, with Nelson leading inside with a game-high 14 rebounds, while Safkan and Goodsell contributed on the glass. The Fighting Owls' work on the boards helped limit Baltimore City's scoring chances and initiate transition opportunities.
"They have been elevating and leveling up their game," Harford head coach Marvin Evans said of his team. "Like the unselfishness we talked about at the beginning of the year with one more pass. And they're finding every [open shooter] while also going to their strengths inside."
The Fighting Owls also benefited from balanced bench play. Nyla Dinkins (Perry Hall), Samantha Guzman Bronx, N.Y.) and Alyson Gonzalez Alvarado (Havre De Grace) provided valuable minutes off the bench, contributing to Harford's depth and maintaining the team's high energy.
Harford will look to carry its momentum into tonight's matchup at home against CCBC Catonsville, with tipoff scheduled for 5 p.m. at the APG Federal Credit Union Arena.
