NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The nationally ranked No. 12 Monroe University – Bronx men's basketball team got back in the win column by defeating Suffolk County Community College in Region 15 play, 88-48, at Monroe Athletic Complex on Saturday afternoon. 

The Express still hold second place in the regional standings with a 15-4 record (19-7 overall). The Sharks drop to 5-15 in the region and 5-17 for the season.

The game took place on Sophomore Day as Monroe University – Bronx honored the Express' second-year players – Andi Metaliaj, Adrian Rosario, Moustapha Sarr, Nehemiah McCallop, Javaughn White, Malike Smart, Michael Samuda, Paolo Avvento, and Steven McGriff – with a ceremony prior to tipoff. 

"It was a special game with Sophomore Day to honor our nine players who put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into our program," Express Head Coach Chris Neely said. "It's great to see our players come as freshman and leave as sophomores, maturing in the classroom and maturing on the court."

Monroe jumped out to a 7-0 lead and never looked back. The Express scored 33 points off turnovers and built a 43-point lead on their way to the wire-to-wire win.

"We are getting ready for a playoff run, so we played everybody today," Neely said. "We played some good defense, went on a run, and shared the ball."

Avvento and McGriff were two of the sophomores who led the way, finishing with 13 points, three rebounds, and a duo of steals each. The latter provided three assists. Samuda and Erskin Willingham provided five points and 10 rebounds, with the former adding four helpers and three steals. Off the bench, Caleb Dunn and Ramsey Lewis each netted 10 points. Rosario generated nine points, nine boards, two blocks, and a duo of steals. White secured six caroms. 

Also helping the Express was Jalonie Pittman who compiled eight points, five assists, and four boards. McCallop registered four points and five rebounds. Damien Maldonado generated four points, three rebounds, just as many assists, and two steals. Josmar Acevedo recorded five points and two boards. Smart added three caroms, two helpers, and a trio of steals. Sarr snatched a rebound.

Monroe – Bronx will take on Nassau Community College in the regular season finale on Tuesday. The Region 15 matchup at Nassau Main Gym is set for 7 p.m. If the Express win against the Lions, they will clinch the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Region 15 Tournament. 

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).