VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Monroe University – Bronx men's basketball team earned the win over Bryant & Stratton College – Virgina Beach (JV), 87-68, at Atlantic Shores Christian School Gymnasium on Friday night. It was the middle portion of the Blue and Gold's three-game Virginia road trip.

The Express are now 10-4 overall and have split the first two games of the Virginia tour.

Monroe shot 55.0% (33-for-60) from the field during the evening and went 6-for-13 (46.2%) from beyond the arc. The Blue and Gold improved from the free-throw line compared to the previous night by draining 15 out of 22 attempts (68.2%). The Express won the rebounding battle, 41-34.

"Tonight's victory, we closed out," Express Head Coach Chris Neely said. "We hit free throws, we moved the ball, and we got used to the physicality."

Early in the contest, Monroe fell behind by a score of 7-6. However, the Express changed the game after that with 12 unanswered points, capped off by a layup from Jalonie Pittman, to give Monroe the lead for good at 18-7. 

The Blue and Gold kept building its benefit during the opening half as Moustapha Sarr drained a 3-point field goal to give Monroe its largest advantage of the period at 49-30 with 26 seconds remaining until the break. Both teams went into the locker rooms with the Express up by 17.

Monroe poured it on in the second stanza as a traditional three-point play by Malike Smart gave the Express a commanding 87-58 hold with 2:58 to go. The Bobcats (1-3) scored the final 10 points of the contest, but it was not enough as Monroe - Bronx earned the 87-68 win.

Leading the way for the Express was Adrian Rosario who scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Andi Metaliaj had another solid performance with 12 points and three boards. Paolo Avvento provided 11 points, a career-best five assists, and a trio of rebounds. Malike Smart notched 10 points, three boards, and just as many assists. Steven McGriff added nine points, five caroms, and three helpers. 

Also helping Monroe was Michael Samuda who distributed nine assists, forced three steals, and snatched three boards. Pittman generated eight points, a trio of providers, and two steals. Damien Maldonado recorded nine points and four rebounds. Josmar Acevedo contributed with seven points and three assists. Javaughn White came up with five boards and three steals. Erskin Willingham grabbed two caroms, while Caleb Dunn delivered an assist. Ramsey Lewis collected a rebound.

Monroe – Bronx will conclude the three-game Virginia road trip on Saturday against Paul D. Camp Community College. Tipoff at Lakeland Gymnasium is set for 3 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).