HOWARD, Texas (Interstat) — In a high-stakes clash of 30-win junior college men’s basketball powers, Howard College held off a persistent Trinity Valley squad for a 72-66 victory at home on Friday night.

The game, a tightly contested battle from the opening tip, saw the Hawks improve to 30-5 on the season, while the Cardinals fell to 30-6. The outcome was largely decided by Howard’s superior efficiency and its ability to capitalize at the free-throw line, overcoming a scrappy Trinity Valley defense that forced numerous turnovers.

Howard, which entered the game with a 68 percent probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system, built its victory on a foundation of efficient shooting and defensive rebounding. The Hawks shot 52 percent from the floor, making 23 of 44 attempts, while holding Trinity Valley to just 39 percent shooting on 25-of-64 shooting. The most decisive disparity came at the charity stripe, where Howard made 21 of 29 free throws compared to Trinity Valley’s 9-of-12 performance.

Despite the loss, Trinity Valley’s defensive pressure was a defining feature of the contest. The Cardinals forced 14 Howard turnovers while committing only four of their own, and recorded 11 steals. This activity allowed them to stay within striking distance despite their offensive struggles. Howard countered by controlling the glass, outrebounding Trinity Valley 34-28, including a crucial 29-20 advantage on the defensive boards that limited second-chance opportunities.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute, with Howard protecting a narrow lead. After Trinity Valley’s Armani Henderson missed a layup that would have cut the deficit to two points with 19 seconds remaining, Howard’s Elijah Tshibangu secured the defensive rebound. Henderson was then forced to foul Tshibangu, who calmly sank both free throws with 14 seconds left to extend the Hawks’ lead to 70-66. On the ensuing possession, Henderson committed a turnover, and Howard’ Brandon Ivery sealed the victory with a layup at the buzzer for the final margin.

Ivery led the Hawks with 18 points, while Terry Copeland added 15 points and nine rebounds. Tshibangu contributed 15 points, four rebounds and four assists. For Trinity Valley, Braylon Wenger shouldered the offensive load with a game-high 24 points. M.J. Wardlow added 12 points, and Henderson facilitated the offense with six assists to go with eight points.

The game was a contrast in styles. Trinity Valley’s defense-first approach, generating extra possessions through steals and ball security, was countered by Howard’s methodical and efficient offensive execution. In the end, Howard’s ability to get to the line and convert, coupled with key defensive stops in the final moments, proved the difference in a matchup between two of the nation’s top junior college programs.