NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., November 16, 2023 – After dropping its first three games on the road this season, the Monroe College Mustangs JV men's basketball team has found its rhythm at home, as the Mustangs picked up a 71-55 victory over Drew University JV on Thursday at the Monroe Athletic Complex for their second straight win. The Mustangs improve to 2-3 with Thursday's victory.
 
The Mustangs opened the game with six straight points, including four from Carey Grace-Joy, but the Rangers turned things around with a 12-0 run. Turone Kelly halted the run with a three-point play, followed by an Amarion Berry layup that made it a one-point game. After the Rangers pushed their lead back to three, Monroe went on a seven-point run to jump ahead, 18-14. Drew worked its way back to get within one at 22-21. The Mustangs went on a 9-3 run, with all nine points coming from Kelly to make it a 31-24 game. Ethan O'Bryan hit a layup for the Rangers in the final minute to send the game to the half with Monroe on top, 31-26.
 
Kelly came off the bench to score a team-high 12 points in 10 minutes in the first half. He matched Milljean Valencia and De'Angelo Owens with three rebounds in the half. Jordan Sanders had four points and four steals.
 
The second half got off to a slow start, with Monroe getting the first bucket with 17:37 on the clock. The scoring began to pick up five minutes into the half, with Monroe pushing its lead back to seven on a Grace-Joy three. Drew was back within four before the Mustangs netted six straight to make it a 10-point game with 11:11 on the clock.
 
A Christian Castro three gave Monroe a 16-point advantage in the second half before both teams began to trade points. The Rangers were able to get as close as 12 points, but the Mustangs did not let the game get any closer. Monroe scored the game's final four points to wrap things up with a 71-55 victory.
 
Kelly led the Mustangs with 18 points and seven rebounds in Thursday's win. Castro was next with 13 points, adding three steals. Sanders had eight points, matched Kelly with seven boards and led the team with five steals. Grace-Joy tallied nine points with five rebounds and a pair of steals.
 
The Mustangs go back on the road on Saturday, Nov. 18, to visit County College of Morris in Randolph, N.J. Saturday's game is set to tip off at 1 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