THROGGS NECK, N.Y. – The Monroe College – Bronx men's basketball team opened its 2023-24 season with a convincing victory over Touro College, 89-45, at Monsignor Scanlan Gymnasium on Tuesday, November 7.
 
The Express (1-0) fell behind 1-0 in the opening seconds of the contest, but a layup by sophomore forward Abubakar Kromah gave the Blue and Gold the lead for good, 16 seconds into the contest. In fact, Kromah's opening field goal began a stretch of nine unanswered points for Monroe – Bronx, capped of by a pair of free throws courtesy of sophomore forward Jevonté Valerie, that put the home team up by a score of 9-1 over Touro (0-1) less than two minutes into the contest. 
  
Monroe built its lead throughout the opening half and took a commanding 49-22 hold into the intermission.
 
The Express outscored the Tornados, 40-23, during the final 20 minutes of play en route to the season-opening victory. 
 
Leading the way for the Express was Kromah who scored a game-high 25 points, shot 11-for-14 from the field, grabbed five rebounds, dished out just as many assists, and forced four steals. Sophomore guard Jovan Young generated 15 points, three boards, a pair of assists, and a duo of steals.
 
Second-year guard Jaream Eason netted 17 points and clutched four rebounds off the bench for Monroe, while Valerie snatched nine rebounds and produced five points. Sophomore forward Anthony Bannister added six points and five caroms. Classmate Vashaun Wallace had a solid game with seven points, six rebounds, a trio of assists, and just as many steals. 
 
Sophomore guard Derrick Simpson came off the bench for the Express and produced six points and five caroms. Rookie guard Steven McGriff tallied eight points, two blocks, a pair of rebounds, and just as many steals. 
 
Monroe – Bronx will open Region 15 play on Thursday, November 9, against Queensborough Community College. Tipoff at Monsignor Scanlan Gymnasium is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 31 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 seven 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/X (@MonroeExpress), Instagram (@MonroeExpress), and Threads (@MonroeExpress).