BAYSIDE, N.Y. – The nationally ranked No. 8 Monroe University – Bronx women's basketball team opened Region 15 play with a hard-fought 42-34 victory over Queensborough Community College on Thursday evening at RFK Gymnasium. The win improves the Express to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in Region 15 competition.
The victory marked the 66
th coaching win during his time with the Express for Head Coach
Damel Ling. He now surpasses Jeremy Thompson for the most wins in program history. Thompson won 65 games for the Blue and Gold from 2019-2023 (there was no 2020-21 season due to the corona virus pandemic).
"It's a great accomplishment," Ling said. "Jeremy Thompson did a great job before I got here so I wanted to pick up where he left off and continue the legacy (for the program). It's not just been me by myself, it's every player and every coach we've had. When things like this happen for me individually, it's more about the group and the culture that we have, and the work that we put in."
Monroe established an early advantage, holding Queensborough to just four points in the opening quarter while taking a 7-4 lead. The Express maintained their advantage in the second period, as each team scored 10 points to allow the Express to carry a 17-14 lead into halftime.
Both teams found more offensive rhythm in the third quarter, each scoring 15 points. Monroe maintained its three-point cushion heading into the final period, setting the stage for a strong defensive finish.
The Express took control in the fourth quarter, limiting Queensborough to just five points while adding 10 of their own to secure the 42-34 victory. Monroe's defensive pressure proved especially important, forcing 36 turnovers and converting them into 23 points off of the opposition's miscues.
Jazmyne Rios led Monroe with 17 points, six rebounds, and one assist.
Winter Smith followed with 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc.
Jhency Pabon contributed four points, while
Ava Nicholson added a successful 3-point field goal.
Khaliyah Harley provided a strong presence on the glass, leading the Express with eight rebounds.
Jaeda Kelly added five rebounds and four assists, while
Aviah Richards also collected five boards.
As a team, Monroe controlled the glass with 44 rebounds and recorded 12 assists. The Express also scored 20 points in the paint and received nine points from their bench.
Queensborough (1-1, 1-1 Region 15) was led by Charlotte Hines, who recorded game-highs of 20 points and 13 rebounds. Aniya Marriott added seven points, while Amya Haley finished with four points, six rebounds, and three assists.
The Express will look to build on their Region 15-opening victory as they continue their 2026-27 campaign. The home opener will take place on Sunday against LaGuardia Community College. The Region 15 battle will take place at Monroe Athletic Complex beginning at noon.
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