Monaca, PA - Howard Community College's men's basketball had an eventful weekend, starting off with a tight showdown against the Community College of Beaver County Titans that ended in a 71-52 victory.

The game opened with Beaver County setting the tone with an 8-0 run. Cedric Harville's (Baltimore, MD/Ben Franklin) free throws put an end to the near four minute scoring drought to start the game. From there, the first half was neck and neck. Myles McDuffie (Baltimore, MD/Lake Clifton) scored eleven points in the first half and finished with thirteen total off the bench. McDuffie was one of four Dragons that ended the game in double figures. Neither team could gain the edge in the first period, and when the buzzer sounded at halftime, the score read 29-27 with the Titans in the lead.

Right out of halftime the Titans went on a quick 6-0 run, pushing the lead to eight in the first minute.  At the twelve minute mark, Sincere Barfield (Philadelphia, PA/Patterson), Howard's leading scorer off the bench, hit a three to give the Dragons a two point lead. Barfield finished with sixteen points, nine of them coming in the second period, while being the main playmaker for the Dragons with six assists. 

From that moment on the Dragons never looked back. Attacking on offense while locking in defensively, Jake Tillman (Atlanta, GA/Lakeside), the second leading scorer, finished with fifteen points and knocked down three perimeter jumpers. On the other end, Howard's defense applied steady pressure, disrupting passing lanes and contesting shots to keep Beaver County from finding any rhythm.

As the game continued in, Beaver County tried to respond with increased intensity, but Howard answered every run and the lead continued to grow. Whether it was timely baskets, strong rebounding, or disciplined execution, Howard consistently made the right plays to stay in command. Lorcan Hyndman (Sydney, Australia/Bishop O'Connell) gave an offensive spark in the second half, knocking down two three's and became the final Dragon in double figures with ten points. 

Down the stretch, Howard stayed composed, protecting the lead with smart possessions and continued defensive effort. The win over Beaver County marks another solid step forward for the Dragons, highlighting the team's preparation and ability to close out games with confidence. The Dragons ended the game in convincing fashion, 71-52, extending their win streak to two games.

Howard next faces Westmoreland County Community College on Saturday, February 7 at 2:00 PM.