NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – It was a historic evening on Thursday as the Monroe University – Bronx men's basketball team defeated LaGuardia Community College in Region 15 play, 83-63, at Monroe Athletic Complex. It marked the 100^th career victory for Chris Neely as head coach of the Express.

It's a special achievement as Neely reached the century mark for wins in just his fifth season. Plus, Neely's program has consistently faced strong competition in and out of the region. He is now 100-49, including a Region 15 Championship in 2021-22 and a pair of trips to the regional title game, since taking over the Express men's basketball team.

"It's been a great journey," Neely said. "I want to thank my athletes and my coaching staff over the years. We pride ourselves in building a good culture, playing the right way, and for our players to be student-athletes."

As for this year's men's basketball team, the Express remain in first place in the Region 15 standings at 13-2 (17-5 overall).

In the win over the Red Hawks, Monroe led the game from wire to wire as a layup by Michael Samuda gave his team an 11-2 hold just 3:03 into the contest. The Blue and Gold never looked back. 

The Express poured it on in the late stages of the stanza as a jumper by Andi Metaliaj padded Monroe's cushion to 40-20 with 1:48 to go before the break. The home team ended up taking a 42-26 benefit into the intermission.

LaGuardia (7-14, 6-11 Region 15) rallied in the second half as a jumper by Djeri Sangare capped off a 9-1 run to pull the Red Hawks to within eight (47-39) with 15:10 remaining in regulation time. That's as close as the visiting team reached because the Express later bounced back thanks back-to-back 3-point baskets by Steven McGriff and Damien Maldonado that sparked an 11-3 run which gave the Blue and Gold more breathing room at 65-48 with 8:23 remaining. 

Monroe built its lead to 26 (78-52) before earning the 83-63 victory.

Leading the way for the Express during the evening was Metaliaj who had a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while blocking three shots. Jalonie Pittman produced 17 points, four assists, and three rebounds. McGriff added 10 points and five helpers. Maldonado provided 11 points, five assists, and four steals. Javaughn White recorded seven points and eight boards, while Erskin Willingham clutched five caroms. Michael Samuda generated nine points, five rebounds, and just as many assists.

Monroe – Bronx will travel to Brooklyn on Thursday, February 5, for a Region 15 matchup against Kingsborough Community College. Tipoff at Kingsborough Gymnasium is set for 8 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).