BROOKLYN – The nationally ranked No. 15 Monroe University – Bronx men's basketball team earned a convincing Region 15 victory over Kingsborough Community College, 93-58, at Kingsborough Gym on Thursday evening.

The Express remain in a tie for first place in the regional standings with a 14-2 record (18-5 overall). The Wave drop to 6-15 for the season and 6-12 in the region. 

It was a balanced effort for the Blue and Gold as six players reached double figures in scoring, plus the bench scored 44 points. 

"Our bench was the difference tonight," Express Head Coach Chris Neely said. "When we are able to get bench production, it makes a difference in our ability to compete at a high level."

Monroe shot 47.6% (40-for-84) from the field during the evening. 

Jalonie Pittman had a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, plus delivered four assists, to lead the Express. Andi Metaliaj generated 10 points, 11 caroms, and six helpers. Steven McGriff posted 10 points, eight caroms, and five assists. Paolo Avvento tallied 11 points on efficient 5-for-9 shooting from the floor. Malike Smart clutched a career-best 12 rebounds. Josmar Acevedo scored 12 points on 5-for-7 shooting from the field. Caleb Dunn finished with 11 points. 

The Express fell behind 4-0 early and then 7-6. Avvento produced a jump shot that put Monroe in front, 8-7. With the game tied at 12, Dunn drilled a 3-point basket that put the Express ahead for good, 15-12, with 11:16 to go in the half. 

Later in the stanza, with Monroe up 21-18, Metaliaj connected on a layup that began an 11-1 run for Monroe. That run was capped by a successful shot from downtown courtesy of Acevedo to pad the Express' benefit to 32-19 with 3:44 to go before the break. Monroe took a 40-27 advantage into the intermission.

In the second half, the Express outscored the Wave by a 53-31 margin to earn the 93-58 win in regional action.

Also helping Monroe during the evening was Erskin Willingham who compiled nine points, eight rebounds, and a pair of blocks. Moustapha Sarr recorded five points, a trio of boards, and three assists. Nehemiah McCallop added five points and two rebounds.

It will be a big Region 15 showdown on Tuesday evening as No. 15 Monroe – Bronx will battle nationally ranked No. 5 Dutchess Community College, the defending regional champions, in a battle for first place in the standings. Both teams are 14-2 in Region 15 play. The rematch of last year's region championship game will take place at Falcon Gymnasium at approximately 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).