Hutchinson, Kan.  – The Monroe College Men's Basketball team saw its seventh NJCAA National Championship appearance come to an end on Wednesday. The Mustangs took an 89-72 loss to Eastern Florida State College in the tournament's Sweet 16. These two sides met earlier in the year at the Monroe Invitational, and the Titans prevailed in that one as well.
 
A three-pointer from Hampus Ahlin and a Tyler Ancrum steal followed by a Jarron Chapman layup gave Monroe a 7-3 lead barely two minutes into action. Eastern Florida regained the lead, but another trifecta from Ahlin evened the score at 13-13 with 14:44 on the clock. The Titans took a double-digit lead from there, but the Mustangs fought back to get within five on a Clifton Tracey three-pointer that made the score 27-22 with 8:46 remaining. Monroe trailed at the half, 49-41.
 
The deficit grew back into double digits for Monroe early in the second half. Eventually, a Koljanin three-pointer with less than nine minutes left got Mustangs within eight points. Eastern Florida took control from there, and went on to win, 89-72.
 
Koljanin made half his shots and led the team with 17 points. Ancrum posted a double-double of 15 points and 12 assists. He also had a game-best four steals. Ahlin scored nine points. The team concluded the 2017 season with a 24-11 overall mark.