Columbia, MD - 23 total turnovers was all it took to undo the Howard Community College Dragons' JV basketball team, as they lost their fifth game of the season last Thursday against Bryant & Stratton College.

The Dragons led at the half and controlled the tempo, but constant turnovers allowed the Bobcats to sneak back into the contest and take a late lead. The Dragons struggled to hit their free throws down the stretch, falling 71-68 in a tough loss.

Howard received a boost on offense with the JV debut of varsity freshman Zion Dixon (District Heights, MD/Largo), who immediately made his presence felt in the first half. Dixon's ability to charge the lanes and draw pressure freed his teammates to make tough shots, and a combined 17 points from Brando Campos (Baltimore, MD/Hammond) and Noah Mercer (Washingon, D.C./SEED DC Charter School) gave the Dragons a 36-32 lead at the half. Holding them back were turnovers, with 12 total in the half.

Poor shooting doomed the Dragons in the second. Howard shot just 29% from the floor, and eleven more turnovers plus some foul trouble allowed the Bobcats to retake the lead. Howard was able to keep the game within striking distance though, with deep threes from Mercer and Chase Price (Prince George's County, MD/John F. Kennedy) giving the Dragons a chance. However, the Bobcats were automatic from the free throw line, and Howard's constant turnovers held them back from a legit charge at the lead.

Brando Campos (Baltimore, MD/Hammond) finished as the leading scorer for the Dragons with 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Noah Mercer (Washingon, D.C./SEED DC Charter School) his two threes, scored 14 points, and added three rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Dixon added 13 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in his JV debut, while Chase Price (Prince George's County, MD/John F. Kennedy) scored 13 points and eight rebounds in his first home game of the season. Cameron Beane (Baltimore, MD/Loch Raven) added nine points and four assists from the point, while Miles Reinders (Laurel, MD/Reservoir) gobbled up five rebounds off the bench.

The Dragons next face Patrick Henry College on Friday to wrap up their week.