NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx men's basketball team began the 2026 calendar year with a victory over Bryant & Stratton – Virginia Beach (JV), 74-66, at Monroe Athletic Complex on Saturday evening.

The Express now have a three-game winning streak and advance their record to 12-4. It's the second victory over the Bobcats (4-7) this season for the Blue and Gold. 

Malike Smart produced a team-high 18 points for the Express while grabbing five rebounds and forcing two steals. Jalonie Pittman and Steven McGriff each tallied a double-double with the former compiling 12 points and 11 rebounds, while the latter recorded 12 points and 10 boards. McGriff also dished out three assists. Adrian Rosario had a strong game off the bench with 11 points and six caroms.

Monroe got off to a slow start as Bryant & Stratton jumped out to a 32-29 benefit with 3:38 to go, equaling its largest lead of the game. The Express bounced back as Smart took over the stanza with three layups in a row, in a span of 2:01, to propel Monroe - Bronx to a 35-32 edge with 1:13 left before the break. The Blue and Gold ended up taking a narrow 37-36 advantage into the intermission. 

The contest was tied at 39 in the second half until Bryant & Stratton committed a technical foul with 17:39 remaining. McGriff took advantage by draining all three shots from the charity stripe to put Monroe in front for good at 42-39.

The Bobcats played catch-up the rest of the way as the Express managed to extend to their largest lead of the evening at eight on three occasions, including the eventual final score of 74-66.

Also helping the Monroe Express during the contest was Andi Metaliaj who scored eight points, while Michael Samuda snatched six boards and collected three steals. 

Monroe – Bronx will return to Region 15 play on Tuesday evening with a clash against Borough of Manhattan Community College. Tipoff at BMCC Gymnasium 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).