THROGGS NECK, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx men's basketball team earned another victory in Region 15 play on Saturday afternoon, this time defeating SUNY Sullivan County Community College by a score of 102-74 at Monsignor Scanlan Gym.

The Express have now won five games in a row to bump their regional record to 8-2 and their overall mark to 9-3.

It was a historic afternoon as Monroe second-year guard Michael Samuda set a program single-game record with 14 assists. The previous mark was 11 which was done by both Dimitre Alston (March 1, 2025, against Hostos Community College) and Loquan Deloatch (February 14, 2019, against Nassau Community College). Samuda also grabbed eight rebounds and dished out five assists during the contest. 

Monroe had a strong shooting performance for the afternoon, as the Blue and Gold hit 60.6% of its shots from the field (40-for-66), including 47.1% from 3-point range (8-for-17). 

"We came in with the focus and the energy that we needed," Express Head Coach Chris Neely said. "We played great defense, moved the ball, and shot the ball well. I am especially proud of our point guard (Samuda). We are playing hard and playing together which matters this time of year."

Five players from the Express reached double figures in scoring. Paolo Avvento tied a game-high with 21 points and went 5-for-9 from beyond the arc. Jalonie Pittman compiled 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Malike Smart came off the bench with 14 points, three boards, and two assists. Andi Metaliaj had a solid outing with 12 points, five caroms, and a trio of assists. Steven McGriff added 11 points and four rebounds. Erskin Willingham chipped in with six points and seven boards. 

Monroe fell behind early in the contest, 6-4, but Avvento got hot and drained three consecutive 3-point shots to put Monroe in front, 13-6, with 16:32 left in the opening half. 

SUNY Sullivan (4-11, 3-7 Region 15) countered with a 7-2 run to pull to within two, but Monroe answered by scoring 11 of the next 13 points, capped off by a pair of free throws from Metaliaj, to give the Blue and Gold a 26-15 hold with 11:10 remaining in the opening half. 

The Express kept building their lead for the remainder of the first period as Samuda forced a steal and threw the ball to Pittman who converted a fastbreak layup with just two seconds remaining to pad Monroe's advantage to 57-38 and that ended up being the score after 20 minutes of play.

The Generals could not get back into the game as Monroe controlled the second half by a 45-36 margin. Samuda's program single-game record-setting assist came with 10:29 left in regulation when he dished it to Smart who drained the 3-point field goal to give the Express an 80-59 cushion. Monroe went on to earn the convincing Region 15 win, 102-74.

Xavier Beckford helped the Generals with 21 points, six rebounds, and two assists during the contest. Tomas Hernandez compiled 19 points, seven boards, four blocks, and just as many steals. Nicholas Sanchez netted 12 points, secured five caroms, and delivered a duo of assists. Sincere Hudson generated 11 points, eight steals, five assists, and a duo of boards. 

Monroe – Bronx will embark upon a three-game Virginia road trip on Thursday. The first game will be against Virginia Peninsula Community College. Tipoff at SafeHaven Empowerment Center is set for 7 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, 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).