SELDEN, N.Y. – The third-seeded Monroe University – Bronx men's basketball team defeated seventh-seeded SUNY Sullivan Community College in the semifinal round of the Region 15 Tournament, 80-63, at Brookhaven Gymnasium (Suffolk County Community College) on Saturday afternoon.

The Express (25-6) will appear in its second straight Region 15 Championship Game on Sunday as they will take on top-seeded and nationally ranked No. 7 Dutchess Community College in a rematch of last year's regional title game. The Falcons are the defending champions but the Express look to capture their first regional championship since the 2021-22 season. The winner will earn an automatic bid into the NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament. 

"Very proud of the guys tonight," Express Head Coach Chris Neely said. "Our culture got us to the championship game. We are looking forward to playing a great team in Dutchess and see where we land."

In the win over the Generals (12-20), the Express never trailed in the game. With the contest knotted at 12, Monroe went on a 10-run, beginning with a traditional three-point play by Steven McGriff and capped by a jumper from Jalonie Pittman, to give the Blue and Gold a commanding 22-12 advantage with 9:44 left in the opening half.

Monroe never looked back as the Express built their lead up to 30 in the second half before earning an 80-63 victory and their second straight trip to the regional title game.

McGriff led the way for the Blue and Gold with 17 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Michael Samuda generated 14 points, six rebounds, and just as many helpers. Pittman added 11 points and eight caroms. Paolo Avvento chipped in with eight points and three rebounds, while Erskin Willingham had seven points and four caroms. Damien Maldonado finished with nine points and four assists.

For SUNY Sullivan, Nicholas Sanchez led all players with 20 points, while adding nine rebounds and delivering four assists. Tomas Hernandez had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while forcing three steals and blocking just as many shots. Quentin Richardson produced 15 points, six assists, and four steals.

For updates regarding Monroe competing in its second-straight Region 15 Championship Game against defending champion Dutchess, check out www.MonroeExpress.com as well as our social media channels. 

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).