After a buzzer-beating victory over McCallie on Tuesday, Howard followed up with its worst first quarter of the season Thursday night at District 6-AA rival Red Bank. Despite the two-point start, the Hustlin’ Tigers rallied for the lead in the next quarter and used a 9-2 run in the closing minutes of the game for their second marquee win of the week.
The 59-55 contest featured 16 lead changes and four ties, but Howard (9-2, 5-1) kept its No. 2 position in the district behind Tyner.
“We’re always talking about weathering the storm,” Howard coach James Talley said. “Red Bank almost took off with the game, so I had to do my best to remain calm so they would remain calm. We didn’t go to panic mode – we just slowed down and took better shots.”
Both teams’ pressing defensive style made for a game littered with turnovers and bad possessions. Howard recorded its only basket of the quarter just under the two-minute mark yet trailed the Lions (10-7, 3-3) by only seven heading into the second.
Red Bank’s turnovers continued in the second period, but this time Howard was ready to capitalize. An 18-5 run highlighted by easy transition buckets helped the Hustlin’ Tigers gain the lead late in the second.