NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., January 18, 2024 – The Monroe College Mustangs JV men's basketball team stayed strong at home on Thursday, earning its seventh victory at the Monroe Athletic Complex with a 66-49 win over Clarks Summit University DV. The Mustangs improve to 11-8 overall with the win, while the Defenders drop to 1-5.
 
The Mustangs got off to a terrific start in Thursday's contest, taking a quick 10-3 lead on the Defenders. With the visitors back within four, the Mustangs put together a 16-2 run that extended Monroe's lead to 28-10 with 6:41 left in the half. The Mustangs added a 7-0 run late in the half to make it a 35-12 game. The Defenders got five straight points from Kingsley Okoi in the final minute, but the Mustangs took a 38-19 advantage into the break.
 
Christian Castro led the team with 11 points at the half. Xavier Washington was next with six points on a pair of threes. Joel Ghiterman did not score in the first half, but managed to pull down a team-high four rebounds. Ingel Van Almenkirk made three blocks off the bench.
 
Monroe had full control of the game to open the second half, extending the lead to 25 points at 54-29 with 13:22 left to play. Washington's fourth long ball of the night, followed by a jumper in the paint from Castro made it a 59-33 lead for Monroe with 8:29 on the clock. With an 8-0 run and a couple buckets after that, the Defenders got back within 17 points with 4:20 to go. That difference held through the final buzzer, with Monroe coming out on top, 66-49.
 
Castro finished with a team-high 17 points to go with four rebounds and two steals in the win. Washington sank four three-pointers to finish with 12 points, as well as six rebounds. Van Almenkirk matched him with six boards. De'Angelo Owens scored just two points, but contributed in a big way regardless with six assists and five steals.
 
The Mustangs take the weekend off before getting back to work this Monday, Jan. 22, with a matchup against 238 Academy at the MAC. Monday's tip-off 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