NEW ROCHELLE. NY – Monroe Express men's basketball took to the court Saturday afternoon, falling to the Rockland Community College Hawks, 74-67, inside the Monroe Athletic Complex. The Express' record improves to 7-4, and the Hawks fall to 7-6.

Jasigha Barnes led the charge for the Express, knocking down a 3-pointer off a Jovan Young feed. Shortly after, Andrew Molina hit a long range shot of his own to put the lead to 6-0. The Hawks entered the scoring column, and both teams matched each other before Rockland beg took the lead at the 13:33 mark from a Jaziar Whitely score from downtown. Monroe extended their lead back to four points after Siddiq McNair went the length of the floor for a fast break layup. Rockland would not go away, as the Hawks went bucket-for-bucket with the Express, after both teams traded 3-pointers in the final minute of the first half, putting Monroe with a slim 31-30 lead going into the intermission.

Molina began the second period with a huge long range bomb, which was ultimately matched by Adrian Branch. Emmanuel Barkor then split a pair of free throws that would have given the Hawks the lead, as Barnes knocked hown his second 3-pointer of the game to put the Express back to three. Adrian Branch would continue to keep Rockland alive with another long ball to even the score. After a short four point spurt, the Hawks would score seven straight points to take the lead, where they did not relinquish it for the rest of the game. The Hawks would go on an extended 21-2 run to put the lead at 58-45 at the 8:14 mark. The Express would chip away at the lead late, getting within six points with 24 seconds to go. Rockand would knock down key three throws down the stretch to eventally put the Express away, 74-67.

McNair led the Express with 20 points. six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Molina added 16 points (3-of-4 3PT FG), four rebounds, two assists and one steal.

The Express take to their hometown foe Tuesday (Dec. 13), for a Region 15 stint against the Bronx Community College Broncos inside Alumni Gym in Bronx, NY at 8 PM.

ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 35 teams competing across nine sports. There are 21 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's and women's rugby, the Monroe College marching band, and the newly added esports and men's volleyball programs, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has 14 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).