NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Monroe University - Bronx men's basketball team fell to LaGuardia Community College, 74-67, on Sunday afternoon at the MAC. With the loss, the Express move to 0-4 overall and 0-2 in Region 15 play, while LaGuardia improves to 2-0 overall and 2-0 in region action.
Monroe opened the contest with a strong first half, taking a 36-29 advantage into the break. The Express built their lead behind efficient shooting, connecting on 15 of 32 field-goal attempts while holding LaGuardia to 13-of-32 shooting. Monroe also established an 11-point advantage late in the opening half.
LaGuardia responded after halftime, finding its rhythm offensively and outscoring Monroe 45-31 in the second half. The opponent shot 54.5 percent from the field after the break, converting 18 of 33 attempts to overcome the Express' seven-point halftime lead.
Andi Metaliaj led Monroe with 18 points, shooting 7-for-11 from the field and adding four made free throws. Jalonie Pittman followed with 17 points and six rebounds, while Haley Guillen contributed 10 points, including two three-pointers. Damien Maldonado added seven points and three assists, and Caleb Dunn finished with five points.
The Express shot 50 percent from the field overall, connecting on 27 of 54 attempts, and converted four of nine shots from beyond the arc. Monroe also received 18 points from its bench and scored 42 points in the paint. However, LaGuardia held advantages in rebounds (35-29), assists (21-10), and points off turnovers (23-10).
Fabian Desilva paced LaGuardia with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Kuno Santos added 17 points, while Wilmer Banegas chipped in 11 points.
The Express return to action Thursday, November 8, against Borough of Manhattan Community College. The Region 15 contest is set to begin at 8 p.m. in BMCC Gymnasium.
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