NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., November 12, 2023 – The Monroe College Mustangs JV men's basketball team had a terrific home debut at the Monroe Athletic Complex on Sunday, as the Mustangs defeated Mitchell College JV, 85-70. The Mustangs improve to 1-3 on the season with the win.
 
Sunday's contest was off to an even 8-8 start before Monroe scored eight straight to double up the Mariners. Late in the first half, the Mariners cut the deficit down to six at 27-21, but five straight points by Carey Grace-Joy and a layup by Clinton Johnson quickly made it a 13-point lead for the Mustangs. Some free throws in the final minute of the half pushed Monroe's lead to 37-23 heading into the half.
 
A three by Jordan Sanders immediately gave Monroe a 17-point advantage. After another three by Grace-Joy once again made it a 17-point difference, the Mariners scored 10 straight to cut the deficit down the seven. The Mustangs turned things around with the next six points to go back up by 13 at 49-36. Monroe's lead fell to six when the Mariners made it a 52-46 game with 11:41 to go, but the Mustangs responded with a 12-0 run to go up by 18. Monroe's lead maxed out at 19 points after a layup by Malcolm Jamal Harris made it a 73-54 game with 6:31 to play. The Mariners got as close as 13 points down the stretch, but the Mustangs did not allow their guests to threaten the lead, holding on for a 15-point victory at 85-70.
 
Grace-Joy led the Mustangs with 22 points and eight rebounds in the win, matching Sanders for a team-high four assists as well. Turone Kelly totaled 12 points with four boards. Sanders finished with nine points, five rebounds and three steals. Harris added eight points, while each of De'Angelo Owens and Joel Ghiterman picked up six points in the win.
 
The Mustangs shot 50.7 percent (35-of-59) from the field in the win. They outrebounded the Mariners, 55-47, and they dominated from close range with a 48-26 advantage in points in the paint. Monroe's depth also shined in the win, as the Mustangs got 37 points off their bench compared to just 22 by Mitchell's reserves.
 
The Mustangs are back in action at the Monroe Athletic Complex this Thursday, Nov. 16, when they host the Drew University JV team. Tip-off on Thursday is set for 7 p.m.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 28 teams competing across nine sports. There are 20 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well the Monroe College marching band, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, 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 Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (@Monroe_Mustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs). Read Full Article