BRONX – The Monroe University – Bronx men's basketball team was victorious in Region 15 play over Bronx Community College, 74-48, at Alumni Gymnasium on Tuesday evening.
The Express (14-8, 9-4 Region 15) fell behind, 11-7, in the early stages of the game but then went on a 15-2 run in a span of 6:48, capped off by a 3-point field goal by freshman guard Haley Guillen with 6:30 left before the break, to give Monroe the lead for good at 22-13.
In the late stages of the first period, Bronx CC (2-17, 1-12 Region 15) cut the deficit to four thanks to a successful shot from beyond the arc by rookie Abraham Shihadeh to make the score 22-18 with 4:23 left. Monroe finished the half strong by scoring the last five points of the stanza, including a jump shot by freshman Jayquan Lee with one second left, to send the Blue and Gold into the locker room with a 27-18 cushion.
The Express' strong finish to the first half carried over into the second as Monroe scored 17 unanswered points to start the period, which completed a 26-0 run that began during the closing minutes of the first half, to take a commanding 44-18 hold with 14:13 remaining in regulation time. The Express held the Broncos scoreless for 10:45 of game time and to without a field goal for 11:17.
Monroe built its lead to 30 on its way to the 74-48 win in regional play.
Leading the way for the Express was freshman Dimitre Alston who scored a game-high 20 points to go along with seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Sophomore David Malone had a near double-double with nine points and 12 rebounds, while delivering three assists. Classmate Rene Williams had a solid game with 11 points and seven boards. Rookie Michael Samuda notched four points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Guillen provided energy off the bench with 12 points, four assists, three steals, two boards, and just as many blocks.
For the Broncos, sophomore Abraham Richter produced 13 points and eight rebounds. Freshman Matayus Kola generated 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Shihadeh added seven points, 11 caroms, and a duo of assists.
The Express will battle LaGuardia Community College, in a Region 15 matchup, on Thursday evening. Tipoff at LaGuardia CC Sports Gymnasium is scheduled for 7:00 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.
