BRONX – The Monroe University – Bronx men's basketball team earned a thrilling come-from-behind victory over local Region 15-rival Hostos Community College, 70-67, at The Swamp on Thursday evening. Monroe trailed 67-61 with just over four minutes left in the game, but the Blue and Gold scored the final nine points of the contest, all by Jalonie Pittman, to snatch the victory.

The Express advance to 10-2 in the region (14-4 overall), good for a first-place tie in the standings. Monroe advances its regional winning streak to seven games and overall unbeaten streak to five contests.

"Tonight was a big win," Express Freshman Guard Damien Maldonado said. "We all had to work together as a team.

Leading the way for the Express was Steven McGriff who provided 17 points and eight rebounds. Pittmann produced 14 points, including his key buckets in the closing stages of the game, and cradled five boards. Paolo Avvento added 10 points. 

"As expected, another tough battle at The Swamp," Express Head Coach Chris Neely said. "Teams battling for rights in the Bronx and region position. Multiple efforts, rebounding, free throws, stops, deflections – we did it all. Hopefully this will keep our winning streak going and we can score momentum in this region."

Monroe – Bronx got off to a great start in the game as a layup by Maldonado gave his team its largest lead of the evening at 45-33 with 1:29 to go in the opening half. The Caimans (9-8, 9-3 Region15) scored the final three points of the half to pull to within nine heading into the break. 

Hostos got off to a hot start in the second half with a 12-4 run to narrow Monroe's lead to 49-48 with 13:05 to go. After the score became 53-52 in favor of Monroe, Angel Zabala put Hostos in front with a basket from inside the paint. However, Adrian Rosario and Steven McGriff combined for back-to-back layups to catapult the Blue and Gold to a 57-54 benefit with 9:55 remaining in regulation time.
 
The Caimans countered with five unanswered points, capped off by a layup from Terrell Hood, which gave them a 59-57 edge with 8:09 remaining. Pittman got the Express back on track with tip-in shot to even the game at 59. Hostos snatched the momentum with an 8-2 run, concluded by a pair of free throws from Travon McGraw, to give the home team a 67-61 benefit with 4:07 to go.

From that point on, Monroe's defense took over, while Pittman put the team on his back on the offensive end. He converted three consecutive field goals, including the game-tying putback with 1:24 left. He then drew a foul with 53 seconds remaining and added a free throw to put Monroe in front, 68-67.

Hostos had the ball but Maldonado of the Express forced a steal with 29 ticks left on the clock. Pittman was fouled intentionally with 28 seconds to go. He drained both key shots from the charity stripe to give Monroe more breathing room at 70-67.

The Caimans tried a 3-point field goal with 11 seconds left but missed. Maldonado grabbed the defensive rebound but then a turnover with six seconds to go gave the Caimans the ball back. 

Hostos tried another 3-pointer with five seconds remaining, but the ball did not go in. Shateek Harris snatched the offensive rebound and delivered the ball to a shooter on the Caimans who launched it up in the final seconds, but the shot fell short and the buzzer went off, clinching the 70-67 regional road win for the Express.

Also helping Monroe during the evening was Adrian Rosario who produced seven points and four rebounds. Malike Smart tallied nine points and three boards. Andi Metaliaj clutched seven rebounds.

For Hostos, Harry Bonilla produced a game-high 26 points, while Nygel Ready tallied a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. 

Monroe – Bronx will head up north and take on SUNY Sullivan Community College in Region 15 action on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff at Paul Gerry Fieldhouse is set for 2 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).