NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., January 7, 2024 – Filling in for a team that got trapped in the snow storm, the Monroe College Mustangs JV men's basketball team stepped in on short notice to take on Howard Community College on Sunday as part of the Monroe College Men's and Women's Mixer at the Monroe Athletic Complex. Despite a valiant effort, the Mustangs dropped an 88-67 final to the Dragons. Monroe falls to 7-6 overall with the loss, while the Dragons improve to 13-4.
 
The Mustangs went toe-to-toe with the Dragons through the first six minutes of Sunday's contest, as four three-pointers helped the Mustangs stay within one at 15-14. The Dragons then turned it on with a 14-3 run to go up, 29-17. Later in the half Jordan Sanders got hot for Monroe, scoring 12 points on a 15-5 stretch to get the Mustangs back within four. The Dragons then closed out the half on a 6-2 run, taking a 45-37 lead into halftime.
 
Sanders finished the opening 20 minutes with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists to lead the Mustangs in all three categories. Carey Grace-Joy added eight points in the half. Clinton Johnson matched Sanders' three rebounds to go with three points and an assist.
 
After Howard pushed its lead to 13 points early in the second half, the Mustangs scored seven straight to get back within six. The Dragons then went on a 8-0 run to go back up by 14. Howard pulled away after the 12-minute mark, outscoring the Mustangs, 16-5, to take a 21-point advantage with 6:32 to play. The Mustangs continued to fight throughout the remainder of the game, but were not able to chip away at the deficit, falling to the Dragons, 88-67.
 
Sanders dropped 21 points in the game, adding four boards and four assists to go with a pair of steals. Grace-Joy was next with 11 points. Johnson led the team with six rebounds to go with his five points and two assists. Turone Kelly led the team with three steals after scoring six points.
 
The Mustangs get right back to work tomorrow, Jan. 8, when they visit Drew University JV in Madison, N.J. 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