BALTIMORE, Md., November 18, 2018 – On the final day of the Baltimore City Community College Legends Classic, the Monroe College Mustangs men's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season, a 77-69 decision to Monroe Community College. The Mustangs drop to 4-1 on the year, while the Tribunes improve to 5-2.
 
The Mustangs held an early advantage, going up 16-7 after a three by Zion Styles. The lead grew to 10 when Lenny Kadisha made a layup with 8:16 left in the first half. The Tribunes chipped away, tying the game at 28-28 with 3:51 on the clock, but Mouhamadou Gueye slammed down a dunk through on the next possession, making the ensuing free throw to put the Mustangs back in the lead by three. The Mustangs went on to close out the half with a 34-31 advantage.
 
Styles led the Mustangs with eight points at the break. Gueye added five while matching Elijah Mitchell for a team-high four rebounds.
 
A three by Gilberto Cue for the Tribunes tied things up at 34-34 early in the second half. The Tribunes then took the lead, eventually going up by five at 48-43 with 11:55 on the clock. Brandon Majesty hit another three for the Tribunes with 9:58 to go to put them up, 54-47. The Mustangs then rattled off six straight points to get within one. Later in the half, the Mustangs made another run to tie it up at 60-60 with 3:37 to play in regulation.
 
The Tribunes responded with seven straight points to go up, 67-60, with 2:14 on the clock. The lead reached nine at 71-62 with just 51 seconds to go, but a three by Thomas Binelli on the next possession gave the Mustangs some hope. Majesty then made 1-of-2 free throws to make it a seven-point game. The Mustangs were unable to score, but Keith King missed two free throws for the Tribunes. Monroe then scored three points on the next two possessions, but the Tribunes started making more free throws, putting the game out of reach to hold on for a seven-point win.
 
Styles finished with a team-high 13 points. Binelli added 11 off the bench, while Daniel Cabassa picked up 10 points. Gueye just missed a double-double with nine points and nine boards, also adding two blocks.
 
The Mustangs will join the women's team on the road next weekend, as both programs play in the Jim Brown Classic, hosted by Hagerstown Community College. The Mustangs open the weekend on Saturday, Nov. 24, when they take on Allegany College of Maryland. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 27 teams competing across nine sports. There are 18 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's and women's rugby, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Monroe Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus as of the fall of 2017, has seven teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
 
For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at www.MonroeCollegeMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe College Athletics), Twitter (@Monroe_Mustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs).