NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., February 16, 2019 – Monroe Express men's basketball raced out to an early lead and never trailed as they defeated the Dutchess Community College Falcons, 89-68, on Saturday at the Monroe Athletic Complex.
 
The Express got off to a hot start, opening first half on a 12-4 run and racing out to a 20-8 lead. Dutchess responded with a couple layups, but Monroe came right back with a 7-0 run to extend their lead to their largest of the first half, 29-12, with 6:12 to play.
 
After the Falcons cut the lead down to 13 with 2:30 remaining, Ghetty Dimitri Allui and Gian Batista combined to go on an 8-2 run to end the first half, and the Express headed into the locker room up 41-24.
 
In the second half, the Express continued their charge, leading by as many as 27 as they held off the Falcons, never trailing en route to the 89-68 victory.
 
With the win, the Express move 13-13 (6-9 Region XV) on the year, while the Falcons fall to 6-14 (4-9 Region XV).
 
Monroe shot 50.7 percent in the victory while holding Dutchess to just 36.8 percent shooting, and just 26 points in the paint.
 
Batista led the Express with his fourth double-double of the season, tallying 31 points and 11 rebounds, while shooting 60 percent from the floor.
 
Allui added 25 points on 50 percent shooting, while Dashawn Hines and Khalik Johnson also recorded double-figure scoring nights with 12 and 10 points each, respectively.
 
The Express are back in action on Thursday, Feb. 21 when they take on Rocktop Academy in a Sophomore Night matchup at 9 p.m. at the Monroe Athletic Complex in New Rochelle, N.Y.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 29 teams competing across nine sports. There are 18 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's and women's rugby, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Monroe Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus as of the fall of 2017, has nine varsity and junior varsity teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
 
For more information about the Monroe Express, please visit us at www.MonroeExpress.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe Express), Twitter (@MonroeExpress) and Instagram (@MonroeExpress).