Owls Hold Off Montgomery, 91–88, Advance to Region 20/Mid-Atlantic District Championship

The Prince George's Community College men's basketball team punched its ticket to the NJCAA Region 20/Mid-Atlantic District Championship with a thrilling 91–88 victory over Montgomery College in the Region 20 Division II Semifinals on Friday evening.

With the win, the Owls advance to face top-seeded CCBC Dundalk on Saturday, March 7 at 3 PM at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, MD.

Prince George's got off to a hot start, building a 19-point lead in the first half. The Owls led 27–8 at the 11:44 mark before Montgomery mounted a late push to close the half on a 29–13 run. The Raptors were fueled by Ian Pascal, who scored 19 points in the opening half to keep Montgomery within striking distance.

Sophomores Brazil Hutchinson and Lynn King III led the Owls early, combining for 21 first-half points. Hutchinson scored 11 while King added 10, as the duo shot a combined 9-of-10 from the field in the opening period.

Montgomery continued to apply pressure throughout the second half but was never able to take the lead. The Raptors made one final push late, using a 14–4 run in the final two minutes to tie the game at 88. Pascal completed an and-one with 40 seconds remaining to even the score and set up a dramatic finish.

Prince George's responded quickly. With 15 seconds remaining, Willie Rivera Jr. drove to the basket and finished the go-ahead layup to put the Owls in front, 90–88.

Montgomery had an opportunity to answer on the next possession but missed a three-point attempt that hit the front rim. Hutchinson secured the rebound and split a pair of free throws to extend the lead to three. Montgomery's desperation heave from half court was waved off following a traveling call, sealing the 91–88 victory for the Owls.

All five of the Owls starters finished in double figures in the victory. Hutchinson led Prince George's with 20 points while adding six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Kadon Fossett contributed 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Lynn King III and Paul Vance III each added 10 points. Rivera also finished in double figures and delivered the game's biggest basket with the go-ahead layup in the closing seconds.

Prince George's now turns its attention to Saturday's championship matchup against CCBC Dundalk. The teams met earlier this season, with the Owls earning a dramatic 76–75 overtime victory on the road.

Saturday's winner will receive an automatic bid to the NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship, scheduled for March 16–21 in Danville, Illinois.