NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., February 18, 2024 – The Monroe College Mustangs JV men's basketball team honored its two sophomores ahead of Sunday's matchup with Washington Adventist University JV at the Monroe Athletic Complex. After suffering a 24-point loss to the Shock last month, the Mustangs got the better of Washington Adventist on Sunday with an 88-73 victory on their home court. Monroe improves to 18-10 overall with the win.
 
The Mustangs held a Sophomore Day ceremony prior to tip-off on Sunday to honor sophomores Xavier Washington and Ingel van Almenkerk. Monroe then proceeded to avenge last month's 82-58 defeat in Tacoma Park, Md., with a 15-point win in New Rochelle.
 
The Mustangs tallied the first six points of the game, with a Carey Grace-Joy three later pushing Monroe's lead to 14-2. The Shock then began to work their way back into the game, eventually tying things up at 21-21 just past the midway point of the first half. The Shock then managed to go on a 10-0 run after a free throw by Monroe, claiming a 31-22 advantage. The Mustangs responded with seven straight to cut the deficit down to two. Monroe eventually tied the game up at 36-36 before taking a 41-39 edge into the half.
 
Jordan Sanders led the Mustangs with 15 points, three assists and four steals at the half. Armani Walker pulled down a team-high six rebounds. Van Almenkerk grabbed five boards in the first 20 minutes.
 
Monroe pulled away quickly in the second half, opening the new period with eight straight points to take a 10-point lead. Later in the half, the Shock cut the difference down to six at 64-58, but a De'Angelo Owens three swung the momentum back to the Mustangs. A long ball by Clinton Johnson with 4:26 to play gave the Mustangs a comfortable 18-point lead. Sanders and Joel Ghiterman also made buckets down the stretch to help Monroe keep its distance from Washington Adventist to hold off the visitors for a 15-point victory.
 
Sanders finished with a team-high 26 points while matching van Almenkerk and Walker with six rebounds. He also led the Mustangs with six steals and four assists. Turone Kelley tallied 18 points with five boards. Ghiterman totaled 11 points in the win.
 
Monroe's final game of the 2023-24 season will take place on the road this Friday, Feb. 23, at Shots with Patience Prep. Friday's matchup is set to tip off at 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 (@MonroeMustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs). Read Full Article