March 5, 2025 - NJCAA Region 20 DII Tournament Quarterfinals
Final Score: #4 WVU Potomac State 53, #5 Howard Community College 48

In a tense, low-scoring battle at the NJCAA Region 20 DII Tournament Quarterfinals, #4 WVU Potomac State fought their way to a 53-48 victory over #5 Howard Community College. The game was a defensive struggle, with both teams also struggling to find consistent offensive rhythm, but Potomac State's grit and defensive tenacity helped them secure the win and a spot in the semifinals.

The Game Breakdown:

Potomac State started strong, taking a 17-14 lead in the first quarter. Amber Bing, who was a consistent force all game, led the way with 6 points in the opening frame. Elizabeth Pryor also made her presence felt early, scoring 16 points throughout the game. Despite shooting struggles from the field, with the team only shooting 34% overall, Potomac State capitalized on Howard's poor shooting and lack of offensive flow.

Howard, however, was held to just 3 points in the second quarter, allowing Potomac State to extend their lead to 28-17 by halftime. Howard's offense struggled throughout the game. The Dragon's shooting woes were evident, as they finished the game shooting just 24.3% from the field and 20% from beyond the arc.

The third quarter saw Howard mount a small comeback, outscoring Potomac State 15-12, and bringing the deficit to one point, but it was not enough to close the gap entirely. Bing would then hit a huge three with just seconds left to all but seal the game for the Catamounts.

Key Performances:

• Amber Bing led the way for Potomac State with 16 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds. Bing was also crucial defensively, helping to stifle Howard's offensive flow throughout the game.
• Elizabeth Pryor chipped in 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, providing a steady presence on both ends of the floor. Her ability to finish around the basket was key for Potomac State, especially in critical moments of the game.
• Hannah Ault contributed significantly with 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. Ault's court vision and ability to facilitate offense helped Potomac State maintain their lead, especially when Howard made their late push.
• Ericka Zirk was an anchor on the boards, finishing with 11 rebounds and 2 points. Her effort on the glass was vital in limiting Howard's second-chance opportunities and maintaining possession for Potomac State.
• Tenley Paugh added 4 points and 8 rebounds, playing a key role in securing defensive rebounds and creating extra opportunities for her team.

Looking Ahead:

Potomac State now turns its attention to the #1 seed CCBC Essex in the semifinals, which will be a major challenge. The Knights defeated the Catamounts just a couple weeks ago by a final score of 90-57. Potomac State will need to sharpen its offense, especially shooting, to stand a chance against the high-powered CCBC Essex team, who have been dominant all season. With their defensive discipline and rebounding strength, Potomac State has the tools to make the game competitive, but they'll need a much stronger shooting performance and limit turnovers to pull off an upset.

The semifinal matchup promises to be an exciting one as the #4 Potomac State Catamounts look to continue their tournament run against the region's top team. The semifinal matchup will take place Friday March 7 at 12:00pm.