GARDEN CITY, N.Y. – In a battle of nationally ranked Region 15 teams, the No. 14 Monroe University – Bronx women's basketball team knocked off No. 8 Nassau Community College by a score of 66-39, at Nassau Main Gym, on Thursday evening. The Express advance to 3-0 in the region and 5-2 overall. The Lions suffer their first loss of the year and drop their regional record to 3-1 (4-1 for the season).
 
"Our overall effort was the best we have had all year," Express Head Women's Basketball Coach Damel Ling said. "We are looking to improve every time we step on the court."
 
Leading the way for the Express was freshman guard Beverly Williams who scored 16 points, grabbed six rebounds, forced four steals, dished out two assists, and blocked a shot. Classmate Salimah Williams added 13 points, eight rebounds, a trio of steals, and just as many helpers. 
 
Also helping the Express was sophomore guard Tiffany Newsome who generated 10 points, six rebounds, four steals, and two assists. "I think Tiffany (Newsome) did a phenomenal job leading tonight," Ling said. "It started with her effort, and it became contagious."
 
Sophomore guard Tymere Moorer netted seven points, clutched 10 caroms, and forced five steals for Monroe. Second-year forward Makira Bunsie had a strong game off the bench with eight points, 10 rebounds, and three steals.
 
Monroe – Bronx got off to a fast start as a 3-point field goal by freshman guard Amira McCleod put her team up, 9-0, just 3:32 into the contest. The Lions countered with 10 straight points in a span of 3:35, to jump out to a one-point edge. However, Monroe recovered and finished the quarter strong with a 6-1 run to grab a 15-11 advantage after 10 minutes of play.
 
After Nassau produced the opening bucket in the second quarter, Monroe scored 10 unanswered points to take a commanding 25-13 hold with 7:15 to go before the break. The Express ended up taking a 38-22 cushion into the intermission. 
 
Monroe pulled away in the third quarter as a successful jump shot by Salimah Williams padded her team's benefit to 53-29 with 15 ticks left on the clock. That was the score after 30 minutes of action. 
 
Salimah Williams' layup in the opening minute of the fourth quarter gave the Express their largest lead of the game at 57-29 on their way to earning the key regional win in the national showdown.  
 
For the Express, sophomore guard Jah Gunter scored nine points, brought down seven rebounds, and collected two steals. Classmate Davian Myers grabbed seven boards of her own.
 
For Nassau, freshman guard Taylah Farquharson generated a game-high 19 points, snatched eight rebounds, blocked four shots, forced two steals, and had just a many assists. Classmate Kirina Azemar provided 11 points and two caroms. 
 
Monroe – Bronx will travel up to Poughkeepsie, N.Y. on Saturday afternoon for a Region 15 matchup against Dutchess Community College. Tipoff at Falcon Gymnasium is set for 1:00 p.m. 
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University 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 University 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.

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