By Chris Stevens, Editor
Howard and Middletown played a game Sunday afternoon at Chase Fieldhouse that observers can only hope will have a rematch at some point down the line this season.
For now, the Wildcats have one up on the Cavaliers, thanks to 23 points from senior guard De’Mere Hollingsworth and 16 points and 12 rebounds from Darius Brown in a 68-64 win.
“We stuck together as a team,” said Hollingsworth after a 12 point second quarter lead was cut to a single point by Middletown in the fourth quarter.
“We just had to focus, make our shots and keep our composure,” Brown added.
The first half largely belonged to Howard (2-1) behind Hollingsworth and Brown, who took turns sparking the offense. Hollingsworth scored 9 of Howard’s first 11 points en route a 21-11 lead after the first quarter. Brown made two three-point baskets in the second quarter as Howard opened up a 34-22 lead.
Middletown cut the lead to seven at the end of the first half and then six at the end of the third quarter thanks to juniors Jaden Rogers and Jaiden McGhee. McGhee scored eight of his team-high 15 points in the fourth quarter, including a three from the left corner than closed the gap to 51-50. Howard responded with an 11-2 burst to reopen a 10 point lead and leave the Cavaliers just a few seconds short of a comeback.
“This was a game where wanted the opportunity to prove ourselves,” Wildcats coach Rahsaan Matthews Sr. said. “Middletown’s a very good team. We knew they were going to come back and hit shots, so we focused on making our free throws and rebounding, which was big for us.”
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