NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – February 25, 2025 – The nationally ranked No. 12 and third-seeded Monroe University - Bronx women's basketball team delivered a commanding performance, defeating six-seeded Suffolk County Community College 74-34 during the Region 15 first round playoffs at the Monroe Athletic Complex on Tuesday evening. The Express dominated from start to finish, using an aggressive defense and balanced offensive attack to cruise to their 20th win of the season. 

With this dominant win, the reigning three-time Region 15 Champion Monroe University - Bronx (20-9) carries its momentum into the Region 15 semifinals, where they will face the No. 2 seed, and nationally ranked No. 5, Kingsborough Community College on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 6 p.m. on the campus of Kingsborough CC.  

"Tonight was a good win, we solidified ourselves defensively from start to finish," Express Head Women's Basketball Coach Damel Ling said. "We got contributions from a number of different people which is good to have."

Freshman Beverly Williams set the tone early with her offensive versatility and finished with 14 points, two steals, and two assists. She consistently attacked the basket, creating scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Williams also knocked down a crucial 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, helping the Express maintain their commanding lead and put the game out of reach.

First-year player Winter Smith showcased her all-around game, contributing 12 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Her ability to knock down perimeter shots and facilitate the offense kept Monroe's attack fluid and efficient. Smith's defensive presence was equally impactful, as she disrupted passing lanes and forced multiple turnovers that led to easy fast-break points.

Sophomore Tymere Moorer provided a huge spark off the bench, delivering 13 points while shooting efficiently from beyond the arc. She drained two 3-pointers for Monroe and showed great composure handling the ball under pressure. Moorer's defensive intensity was just as impressive, as she recorded five steals and applied relentless pressure on Suffolk County's (7-12) guards, making it difficult for them to find any offensive rhythm.

Second-year player Makira Bunsie anchored Monroe's interior game, finishing with 12 points and six rebounds. She was a force in the paint, using her strength to secure offensive rebounds and convert second-chance opportunities. Bunsie's presence on the boards allowed Monroe to control the pace of the game, limiting Suffolk County's possessions and keeping the Express firmly in control.

Monroe - Bronx wasted no time asserting their dominance, jumping out to a 23-7 lead in the first quarter. They continued their relentless attack in the second, outscoring Suffolk 23-10 to take a commanding 46-17 lead into halftime. Monroe's defense held Suffolk to just 34% shooting from the field and 1-for-16 from 3-point range, ensuring the game never got close.

For more information about Monroe's upcoming regional semifinal game at Kingsborough Community College, check out www.MonroeExpress.com as well as our social media channels. 

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.