NEWARK, N.J. – The nationally ranked No. 15 Monroe University – Bronx women's basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 60-57 loss to NJCAA Division II Essex County Community College, at Cleo Hill Sr. Physical Education Building, on Thursday evening. 
 
The game was tied at 57 with one second left and the Wolverines (4-10) inbounding the ball on their offensive side of the floor. Freshman Mia Marie Thomas caught the ball and launched a 3-point shot attempt that swished through the basket just as the buzzer sounded, giving the home team a thrilling victory.
 
It started out good for the Blue and Gold as Monroe (12-8) held a 30-25 advantage at the half, but Essex County stormed back in the closing minutes of the contest to tie it and then Thomas' 3-point dagger at the buzzer clinched the win for her team. 
 
Leading the way for the Express during the evening was freshman Beverly Williams who scored a game-high 21 points, delivered two assists, and forced a duo of steals. Sophomore Makira Bunsie had a solid game with 12 points, eight rebounds, and a trio of steals. Rookie Winter Smith generated nine points, four boards, four assists, and three steals. Second-year player Tiffany Newsome also had nine points, while snatching six caroms, registering four steals, and delivering three assists. Classmate Tymere Moorer had a productive evening with seven points, nine rebounds, three steals, and two assists.
 
For the Wolverines, rookie Michelle Hernandez had a 15-point and 10-rebound double-double to go along with four assists and two steals. Thomas added 11 points, including her game-winning three-point shot, while snatching two boards. Freshman Kayley Lynch produced a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while tallying three steals. Second-year player Jakira Coar generated 10 points, four steals, three rebounds, and two assists. Sophomore Basirat Animashaun added eight rebounds, two assists, and just as many steals.
 
Monroe – Bronx will compete against local Region 15 rival Bronx Community College, at Alumni Gymnasium, on Tuesday evening. Tipoff is set for 6:00 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.

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). Catch us on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/MonroeExpress.