New Rochelle, N.Y. – A ferocious, late-game rally by the Monroe College junior varsity basketball team falls just short as a three-pointer in the final seconds misses and CNC Leadership prevailed 78-76, in a game played at the Monroe Athletic Complex in New Rochelle.  The JV team is now 8-7 on the season.
 
The comeback couldn't overshadow the ignominious events of just a few minutes prior, as benches cleared in a scuffle that saw Monroe left with just six players and an 11-point deficit (77-66) with just 1:22 remaining in regulation.  Merault Almonor got the comeback going with a short jumper.  On the ensuing possession, he stole the ball and brought it back for a layup to make the score 77-70 for CNC with 0:50 left.
 
An Antoine Lewis foul shot with 0:34 on the clock made the score 77-71.  Justin Wilson added a free throw nine seconds later and Monroe was within five.  On the ensuing CNC possession, Amzi Abu-Ahmad, snuck into the passing lane, stole the ball and made a short basket.  The score was 77-74 with 0:22 left.  After another CNC turnover, Almonor made a layup to make the score 77-76.  Alomonor would get the final shot and his three pointer banged off the rim to preserve a 78-76 win for CNC leadership.
 
The Monroe College JV team returns to action on Thursday, December 21, when they face Medgar Evers in Brooklyn.  The jump is scheduled for 7:00 PM.