BAYSIDE, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx men's basketball team came up short against Queensborough Community College in the Region 15 opener, falling 67-63 on Thursday evening at RFK Gymnasium. The loss drops the Express to 0-3 overall and 0-1 in Region 15 play.
Monroe came out strong in the opening half, building an early advantage and taking a 35-33 lead into the break.
Queensborough (2-0, 2-0 Region 15) responded after halftime, outscoring Monroe 34-28 in the second half to take control of the game. Despite the Express' efforts to remain within striking distance, the Tigers held on down the stretch to secure the four-point victory.
Pittman paced Monroe with a game-high 20 points, shooting 8-for-15 from the field while adding five rebounds and four assists. Haley Guillen contributed 14 points on 6-for-12 shooting, including two three-pointers, while Andi Metaliaj recorded a strong performance with 12 points and eight rebounds.
Damien Maldonado added nine points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Kanaz Linder contributed three points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Caleb Dunn finished with two points and four rebounds.
The Express generated 40 points in the paint and added 18 fast-break points. Monroe also controlled the glass, finishing with a 48-34 rebounding advantage, while recording 17 assists and 11 second-chance points.
Queensborough was led by Prince Bentinck, who recorded 25 points and 10 rebounds. Kaden Smith added 11 points, while Derik Charles contributed 10 points and four assists. Christopher Simeon chipped in eight points and six rebounds.
The Express will have their home opener this Sunday, November 8, against LaGuardia Community College. The Region 15 contest is set to begin at 2 p.m. at Monroe Athletic Complex.
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