Columbia, MD - The #22-ranked Howard Community College Dragons began their 2026-27 campaign strong, holding off Tidewater Community College 84-66 Friday night.
Led by a double-double from sophomore
Kalvyne Eby, the Dragons outlasted the Storm in a tough, foul-filled battle in the trenches to open the season.
Friday's game saw aggressive play from both teams, with 52 total personal fouls called. Howard took advantage of the slower pace of the game, dominating in the paint and getting multiple Storm players in foul trouble. Eby took command on his debut, scoring ten points and nine rebounds in the first half.
Leading 39-27 at the half, the Dragons continued to lean on strong play in the paint from Eby in the second half, along with energy off the bench from
Evin Thompson. However, the Storm fought back into the contest in the second half, closing to within eight points with ten minutes to go. Howard got the boost they needed from
RJ Greene. who hit back-to-back three pointers to reignite the Dragons offense. A crucial pair of foul-outs from Tidewater iced the contest, giving Howard an 84-66 victory.
Eby finished the evening with 22 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks. Greene had 20 points, four rebounds, and two blocks, while
Jamar Payen added 13 points, five rebounds, and two steals.
David Rushing added ten points, three rebounds, and three steals, while Thompson scored six points, nine rebounds, two assists, and four steals off the bench.
Arvin Batsinda grabed six boards and an assist in his Dragons debut.
The Dragons face a major test in their next game, as they play #13-ranked Monroe Community College on Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 PM.
