No. 11 Lady Owls Win Streak Ends With Loss to CCBC Essex

Prince George's Community College women's basketball took to the hardwood for the second time this week inside Novak Field House when they hosted CCBC Essex on Friday night, January 28^th for a battle between two of the top programs in Maryland.

The Knights entered the contest with a perfect 17-0 record, including 3-0 in conference play and was recently elevated to the #5 spot in NJCAA Division II Women's Basketball. Prince George's defended their home court as the #11 ranked program in Division III, riding a 6-game winning streak to an 11-2 overall record and undefeated in conference play themselves at 6-0.

Despite keeping up with the Knights attack early on, the Owls came up short at the final buzzer, losing by a final score of 104-55. Prince George's was most effective in the second period as they slowed down the Knights high powered attack, holding Essex to only 17 points during the ten-minute stretch which was highlighted by a lowly 24% shooting rate from the floor by the Knights.

Turnovers ultimately let the game slip away for the Owls as they finished with 28 total, resulting in 37 points throughout the game for the Knights as Essex pulled away in the second half. Friday's game marked the first loss for the Owls in nearly two months, a 77-50 road loss to Division II Sullivan County. 

Freshman Tori Tolson finished as Prince George's leading performer as she finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. Tolson picked up her second consecutive double-double and eighth overall on the season in the loss. Standout freshman Janiah Williams failed to record at least a double-double for only the second time all season. The 2-time NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball Player of the Week fouled out early in the final period.

The Owls will have one day to recover before they host Region 20 Division III opponent Butler County Community College on Sunday, January 30^th at noon. Butler's Pioneers most recently defeated fellow Region 20 Division III CCAC Allegheny on Wednesday, January 26^th and enter Sunday's matchup with a 6-6 record on the year.

Individuals planning to attend Sunday's game must abide by the current Novak Field House COVID-19 Safety Protocols. Outside spectators must provide proof of vaccination and show proof of a ticket purchase prior to entering the gym. Prince George's Community College students, staff, and faculty are free to enter with a current college ID.