NEW ROCHELLE, NY – It was a back and forth affair Tuesday evening, as Monroe Express men's basketball were unable to maintain a second half lead against the Nassau Community College Lions, resulting in a 57-64 setback in their final regular season contest inside Monroe Athletic Complex. The Express fall to 20-10 (12-4 Region 15) and will compete in the Region 15 playoffs as the #2 seed. 

Following the Action

• Nassau got out to an early 16 point lead, 10 minutes into the first half, holding Monroe to only six points on the board.
• After a change in the lineup, the Express began to storm back, going on an 18-6 run to trim the lead to two points going into the halftime break, 24-26.
• In that span, Quame' Smith scored 11 of his 18 points.
• Abdul Seck began the second period with a steal and layup to go up four.
• After a and-one layup by Babacar Niang, Monroe came within one after he sunk the free throw.
• Jasigha Barnes then capitalized off a Nassau miscue, knocking down a huge 3-pointer to give the Express their first lead of the game.
• A few moments later, Barnes once again drilled a shot from downtown, increasing the advantage to four. 
• For the next 5:46, the Express could not miss, going on a 16-6 run to lead by double figures for the first time.
• Trailing 40-48, Nassau would not be denied, and embarked on an 18-8 run, to tie the game at 56 with 2:29 remaining. 
• Jesse Taylor knocked down the dagger 3-pointer to seal the game for the Lions, settling the final at 57-64. 

Smith led all scorers with 18 points, along with seven rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Barnes added 13 points, three assists, three rebounds and one steal. Abubakar Kromah also poured in 13 points, three assists, three rebounds and one steal. 

The Express concluded their regular season Tuesday evening, and will host the first round in the Region 15 playoffs on Tuesday (Feb. 28) as the #2 seed inside Monroe Athletic Complex. A time and opponent will be announced at a later date.

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).