BEL AIR, Md., December 1, 2019 – A first half deficit proved to be the difference, as the Monroe College Mustangs women's basketball team dropped a 73-63 final to host Harford Community College in the final game of the Harford Hoops Classic Saturday evening at APG Federal Credit Union Arena. The Mustangs' record evens out at 4-4 with the loss, while the Hawks remain unbeaten at 6-0.
 
The Hawks jumped out to a 6-0 lead to start the first quarter. A hot start for the home team continued as they pushed their lead to 19-8 midway through the period. A pair of free throws by Cheyenne Talbot with 1:30 left in the first had Monroe back within seven, but a three by Harford's Kelvajha Foster made it a 10-point game with 18 seconds left. Ineysiah Surrell made a layup in the final seconds to get Monroe within eight heading into the second.
 
The Mustangs got back within five with 6:08 left in the half, but a 7-0 run by Harford pushed its lead to 33-21 just two minutes later. Things did not get much better for the visitors the rest of the half, as Harford took a 39-26 advantage into the halftime break.
 
Monroe was able to get within seven points after a layup by Talbot made it a 43-36 game with 6:34 left in the third quarter. Six straight points by the Hawks pushed their lead back to 13, but the Mustangs responded with another six points of their own. The Hawks went on one more run late in the quarter to take their lead back to 13 heading into the fourth.
 
Seven straight points by Monroe to open the final frame got the Mustangs back within six with plenty of time to play. The Hawks were able to keep their distance, but a three by ToniRenee Blandford with 2:52 to play got the Mustangs back within six once more. The Hawks then closed the game out with a 5-1 margin to win the game by 10.
 
Talbot finished with a double-double in the game, totaling 12 points and 11 rebounds to go with four assists, two steals and a block. Blandford netted a team-high 20 points off the bench, adding five rebounds and two steals. Daja Wentz picked up 11 points. India Keene contributed eight boards, a team-high five assists and four points. Surrell and Maya Crimes each pulled down nine rebounds.
 
The Mustangs will look to avenge Saturday's defeat with a rematch on their home court at the Monroe Athletic Complex on Friday, Dec. 6. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 31 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's and women's rugby, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has 12 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).