Preview: Harford Fighting Owls at Monroe Mustangs

MONROE (Interstat) — The Monroe College Mustangs, riding high as one of the region’s top junior college men’s basketball teams, will host the Harford Fighting Owls in a rematch on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.

Monroe (14-4) enters with commanding momentum, having won eight of its last nine games. That stretch includes a decisive 103-88 victory at Harford just over three weeks ago on Feb. 3. In that contest, Mustangs guard Naceiar Kirksey poured in 24 points in 27 minutes. Kirksey remains a key player to watch, coming off a well-rounded 13-point, 6-rebound, 5-assist performance in a win over Harcum on Feb. 21.

The visiting Fighting Owls (5-9) seek to reverse their fortunes and pull a significant road upset. Harford snapped a five-game skid with an 86-83 road win at Hagerstown on Feb. 9, led by strong performances from Trevon Morgan (18 points, 8 rebounds), Israel Bosenge (17 points, 6 rebounds) and playmaker Roy Palmer (12 points, 9 assists). Replicating that balanced effort will be crucial against a deep Monroe squad.

The Mustangs have established themselves as a dominant force, particularly in recent home games, where they have won by an average margin of 18 points during their current hot streak. Their offense, which eclipsed 100 points in the last meeting with Harford, presents a major challenge for the Fighting Owls’ defense.

Thursday’s contest is a stark contrast in season trajectories, pitting a surging Monroe team against a Harford squad looking to build on its most recent win and gain revenge from the February loss. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Monroe Athletic Complex.