POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Monroe College – Bronx men's basketball team earned a pivotal come-from-behind Region 15 road victory over nationally ranked No. 11 Dutchess Community College, 77-72, at Falcon Hall Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon. 
 
Monroe – Bronx bumps its regional winning streak to eight games and maintains its spot in second place in the regional standings at 12-4 (18-9 overall). Dutchess remains in first place with a 14-3 regional record (18-4 overall).
 
The Express trailed, 38-31, after 20 minutes of play but outscored the Falcons, 46-34, in the second half.
 
The game was tied at 72 points apiece late in the contest. Sophomore forward Abubakar Kromah stepped up and drained a clutch 3-point field goal to give the Express a 75-72 advantage with 2:01 left in the game. 
 
Monroe's defense stepped up in crunch time as sophomore guard Vashaun Wallace forced a steal with 1:20 remaining and the Express still up by three. Fast forward to 13 seconds remaining and Dutchess had the ball in its front court. They tried to go for a quick two, but Monroe's defense forced them to miss the shot. Freshman guard Steven McGriff grabbed the defensive rebound and was fouled with seven seconds left. He went to the line and drilled both free throw attempts to make it a two-possession game at 77-72. That clinched the victory for the Express who split the season series with the Falcons at a game apiece.
 
"Our resilience kept us in the game, and we made some key stops with timely baskets to win a tough region contest," Express Head Coach Chris Neely said.
 
Leading the way for the Express was Kromah who had a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while dishing out eight assists. Wallace generated 14 points, three rebounds, and a pair of assists. McGriff came off the bench and provided 18 points, five boards, and a duo of assists. Sophomore guard Jaream Eason netted seven points and forced five steals. Second-year forward Jevonté Valerie chipped in with eight points and two caroms. 
 
Monroe – Bronx will travel to Long Island on Tuesday evening to take on Nassau Community College in a Region 15 contest. Tipoff at Nassau CC Gym is set 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).