NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., January 30, 2020 – A big run late in the game nearly erased a big deficit, but the comeback bid ultimately fell short for the Monroe College Mustangs JV men's basketball team, which fell to Prestige Preparatory Academy, 78-74, Thursday evening in American Independent Post Grad and Collegiate Conference (AIPGCC) action at the Monroe Athletic Complex. The Mustangs fall to 8-12 overall and 5-3 in the AIPGCC, while Prestige Prep improves to 2-2 in conference play.
 
After an early 4-0 lead for the Patriots, the Mustangs went on an 18-3 run to take an 18-7 lead with 12:49 on the clock. Prestige Prep then went on a 13-0 run to take a 20-18 lead just past the midway point of the half. The Patriots took a 27-22 lead with 4:40 to play, but the Mustangs scored the next seven to go up by two. The teams traded the lead back-and-forth, but Manuel Bell Jr. hit a layup for Prestige Prep with eight seconds on the clock to give the visitors a 38-37 lead heading into the break.
 
Luis Quinones nearly reached a double-double in the first half, leading the Mustangs with 12 points and nine rebounds, adding three assists, a steal and a block. Jedidiah Ashton and Onterio Miller each contributed eight points.
 
Prestige Prep caught fire early in the second half, scoring the first 11 points of the period to take a 49-37 lead, causing the Mustangs to take a timeout. After going down by as many as 18 points, the Mustangs were able to get back within 10 at 60-50 with 11:50 on the clock. Onterio Miller hit a three to make it a 62-55 game, but the Patriots scored the next eight to take a 15-point lead.
 
After trailing, 74-59, the Mustangs came storming back, going on a 15-2 run to cut the deficit to two with 30.9 seconds left in regulation. Andrew Bennett was able to make a pair of free throws for the Patriots with 10 seconds left, and the Mustangs were unable to get a shot to drop, as Monroe's comeback bid fell short by four points.
 
Quinones finished with a big game and a double-double, scoring 17 points to go with 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block. Miller added 17 points of his own with five three-pointers, adding eight boards as well. Deandre Hayes finished with 16 points and four assists, while Ashton tallied 10 points with eight rebounds. Yannis Erembert contributed eight points and six assists.
 
The Mustangs will look to bounce back on Friday, Feb. 7, when they host Hamilton Hall Academy for another AIPGCC matchup at the MAC. 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).