Columbia, MD - The #22-ranked Howard Community College Dragons suffered their first set back of the season Sunday afternoon, falling to the #13-ranked Monroe Community College Tribunes 73-55.
Despite a fast start, the Dragons struggled to keep up with the Tribunes, as Monroe out-shot the Dragons and scooped up more rebounds. Sophomore
Kalvyne Eby was able to score a second-straight double-double, but Howard's offense as a whole struggled to connect on their shots. The loss drops the Dragons to 1-1 on the season.
Eby got the Dragons off to a hot start, scoring 12 points and seven rebounds in the first half. However, the Dragons quickly fell behind a relentless attack from the Tribunes. Howard shot 8-30 from the floor in the first half, and missed all eight three-pointer attempts. The Dragons were able to slow down the Tribunes in the final minutes of the half, and only trailed 34-22 at the horn.
The second half saw foul trouble creep in for both teams. Eby continued to gobble up rebounds, but fouled out midway through the half. Monroe also found themselves in foul trouble, and the Dragons capitalized to keep the contest within range.
Jamar Payen was nearly automatic from the free throw line, hitting five of his seven attempts.
Devin Thomas also broke through with a pair of big threes late to give Howard some life. However, the Tribunes continued to pile up the points on Howard, and despite the comeback attempt, the Dragons would fall 73-55.
Eby finished the evening with 19 points, eleven rebounds, a block, and two steals.
RJ Greene had nine points, four rebounds, and a block, while Payen added eight points, two assists, and two steals.
Arvin Batsinda added four points and nine rebounds, while
David Rushing added five rebounds.
Fernando Garcia made his Dragons debut, scoring two steals in the final minutes.
The Dragons will next face Essex County Community College on Saturday, November 7 at 2:00 PM.
