THROGGS NECK, N.Y. – The nationally ranked No. 15 Monroe University – Bronx men's basketball team was able to hang on and earn a Region 15 victory over Bronx Community College, 71-65, at Monsignor Scanlan Gym on Thursday evening. 
 
Monroe advances to 6-2 in the region and 8-3 overall. The Broncos drop to 0-8 against regional opponents and 1-8 for the season.
 
The Express led by 15 at the half, but then Bronx CC rallied to tie the game at 60 points apiece with 5:55 to go in regulation time. After each team executed a successful jump shot, Monroe scored the next three points to go up 65-62, but then sophomore Abraham Richter drained a 3-point shot for Bronx CC to tie the contest with 2:26 to go. 
 
A few possessions later, Monroe – Bronx got the ball back with less than two minutes remaining. Freshman Paolo Avvento took a feed from classmate Jayquan Lee and converted a layup off the fast break to give his team a 67-65 edge with 1:39 left in regulation. 
 
The Broncos had a chance to tie the game, but Avvento forced a steal and found Lee who buried the layup to give the Express more breathing room at 69-65 with 45 seconds to go. Monroe was able to get another stop and then hit insurance free throws in the closing seconds to clinch the Region 15 victory, 71-65.
 
During the evening, Monroe shot 45.9% (28-for-61) from the field while Bronx only converted 30.5% (25-for-82) of its shot attempts from the floor, and that proved to be the difference in the game.
 
Leading the way for the Express was freshman Dimitre Alston who scored a game-high 22 points, grabbed five rebounds, and delivered four assists. Sophomore David Malone posted a double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds, while blocking three shots, collecting a trio of steals, and delivering just as many assists. Freshman Malike Smart generated 10 points, six boards, and a duo of steals. Avvento and Lee each provided eight points and seven caroms. The former had three steals and two assists, while the latter delivered seven helpers and notched three steals.
 
For the Broncos, Richter had a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, while blocking two shots and forcing just as many steals. Second-year player James Wenzel recorded nine points, a trio of boards, and three steals. Freshman Alexander Hattel scored eight points, picked up seven steals, and brought down five rebounds. 
 
Monroe - Bronx will battle Kingsborough Community College on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff at Kingsborough Gym is scheduled for 3:00 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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