LINCROFT, N.J. – The Monroe University – Bronx men's basketball team opened the 2025-26 regular season by earning an impressive victory on the road over national powerhouse Brookdale Community College, 62-60, at Robert J. Collins Arena on Saturday afternoon during the first day of the Brookdale Classic.

The Express (1-0) trailed 45-25 in the early stages of the second half but chipped away and then eventually rallied with a 20-1 run to take the lead. Plus, Monroe displayed strong defense down the stretch, especially in the closing seconds, to clinch the comeback win. 

With the game tied at 56 and Monroe having the ball with less than a minute and a half to go in the game, Jalonie Pittman grabbed an offensive rebound off a missed shot and executed a successful putback to give the Express a 58-56 advantage with 1:12 remaining. 

The Express got the ball back and extended their lead to 60-56 with 29 seconds to go thanks to a floating jump shot from the paint by Steven McGriff. The Blue and Gold were able to close out the game and earn the 62-60 victory over the Jersey Blues (0-1) in a battle of teams that are receiving votes in the NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball Preseason National Poll.

Pittman led the way for Monroe – Bronx with 14 points and five rebounds. Adrian Rosario and Malike Smart each netted 10 points with the former grabbing eight boards and blocking two shots, while the latter delivered five assists and snatched four caroms. McGriff had a solid afternoon with eight points and four rebounds. Josmar Acevedo compiled seven points and four boards. Caleb Dunn brought down six caroms to go along with three points. Javaughn White provided four rebounds and a steal.

Monroe – Bronx will compete in the second day of the Brookdale Classic on Sunday afternoon with another big test, this time against nationally ranked No. 8 Northern Essex Community College. Tipoff is set for noon. 

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).