NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Monroe University – Bronx men's basketball team opened its three-game Virginia road trip with a 79-68 defeat at the hands of Virginia Peninsula Community College, at SafeHaven Empowerment Center, on Thursday evening. The loss snaps Monroe's five-game winning streak.

The difference in the contest was the turnovers. Although the Gators (9-5) committed 22 to Monroe's 21, the home team scored 23 points from Monroe's miscues while the Express (9-4) only added 12 points from Virginia Peninsula's turnovers. Monroe struggled from the free-throw line, only converting 12 out of 24 attempts (50.0%).

The Express scored the first four points of the contest. After the Gators chipped away and sliced the Monroe's edge to 7-6, Malike Smart answered with a layup to extend the Blue and Gold's lead to three with 13:36 remaining in the opening half. 

Virginia Peninsula snatched the momentum by scoring 10 unanswered points to suddenly put Monroe in a 16-9 hole with 12:16 to go before the break. Monroe played catch-up the rest of the opening period as the Gators took a 43-35 advantage into the intermission. 

The Express came flying out of the gate at the beginning of the second half as Paolo Avvento knocked down back-to-back 3-point shots and then Steven McGriff drained a shot of his own from downtown to propel Monroe to a 44-43 benefit just 1:40 into the stanza. 

The contest was eventually knotted at 50. After that, Virginia Peninsula took over the game with a 13-2 run to take a commanding 63-52 hold with 12:14 to go. Monroe – Bronx could not generate a run to get back into the game as the Gators went on to earn the 11-point victory.

Leading the way for the Express was Andi Metaliaj who came off the bench and provided a career-high 17 points and gathered seven rebounds. McGriff added 16 points, three rebounds, and a pair of blocks. Avvento generated 14 points, four assists, three boards, and just as many steals. Adrian Rosario clutched 11 rebounds and netted six points. Jalonie Pittman chipped in with six points, three caroms, and a duo of steals.

For the Gators, Ky'Saan Bevier came off the bench and provided 15 points and three rebounds. Chris Cyrus recorded 14 points and five boards. Jordan Watlington had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while providing five assists and forcing five steals. Emmanuel Angila also scored 12 points. Plus, he had five caroms and two providers.

Monroe – Bronx will continue its three-game Virginia road trip on Friday against Bryant & Stratton – Virginia Beach (JV) at Atlantic Shores Christian School Gymnasium. Tipoff in Virginia Beach, Va. 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.

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