New Rochelle, NY - The 2026 Monroe JV Mixer ended on a sour note for the Howard Community College Dragons, as they fell 68-66 to the Touro University Tornadoes Sunday afternoon.

A wild second half saw the two teams tied with overtime a possibility, only for a last second layup from the Tornadoes to find pay dirt. The loss dropped the Dragons to 0-4 on the season.

Much like their first contest of the weekend, the Dragons struggled with shooting in the first half. Howard shot just 27.5% in the first half, though they did hit four three-pointers. Noah Mercer (Washingon, D.C./SEED DC Charter School) and Jawan Hopson (Baltimore, MD/New Town) both scored seven points in the first half as the Dragons trailed 33-26 entering the half.

The second half saw the Dragons offense erupt. Three Dragons scored in double digits, and Howard entered a feverish back-and-forth with the Tornadoes. The Dragons stormed into the lead early in the period, but an 8-0 Touro run made swung the momentum back to the Tornadoes. Both teams took turns going on scoring runs deep into the period, and with a minute left, a Jawan Hopson (Baltimore, MD/New Town) three made it 65-65. Foul trouble from Mercer sent the Tornadoes to the line, where they retook the lead. It would not stand, as Howard caught a foul and tied the contest with eleven seconds left. However, no overtime would be needed, as Touro's Tymeek Stikley hit a last-second shot to give the Tornadoes a whirlwind victory.

Noah Mercer (Washingon, D.C./SEED DC Charter School) continued his hot start to the season with 19 points, while Jawan Hopson (Baltimore, MD/New Town) scored 17 points, eleven rebounds, and six steals for his first double-double. Brando Campos (Baltimore, MD/Hammond) scored his second-straight double-double with 14 points, 17 rebounds, and four assists. Cameron Beane (Baltimore, MD/Loch Raven) added seven points and four assists, while Chase Price (Prince George's County, MD/John F. Kennedy) scored seven points, nine rebounds, and two assists.

The Dragons return home this Thursday for the next game as they host Bryant & Stratton College at 6:00 PM.