New Rochelle, NY - Monroe used a dominant third-quarter surge to break open a tight matchup and secure a 65–51 win over Putnam Science Academy on Monday evening at the Monroe Athletic Complex. After a low-scoring first half where both teams traded stops and struggled to find rhythm, the Mustangs flipped the game out of halftime, outscoring PSA 24-11 in the third quarter to take control for good.
Putnam opened the night with early defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and converting in the paint to stay within reach, trailing just 16-13 after one. The second quarter turned into a defensive grind on both sides, with Monroe's bench providing timely buckets from Sheridan Oberhand while PSA leaned on Valentina Vrcan's perimeter looks and Paolla Kanoute's work on the glass. Monroe entered the break holding a narrow 26–22 lead.
The game completely shifted in the third. Angie Tirado sparked the run with back-to-back threes, Alex Stewart knocked down a pair of momentum-swinging shots, and Monroe's defense forced a string of turnovers that led directly to transition points. Sydney Huskey steadied the Mustangs at the line, and Poindujour's ball-movement helped space the floor as Monroe built its largest lead of the game. By the time the quarter ended, the Mustangs held a 50–33 advantage.
Putnam made a late push behind Vrcan's drives and Diouf's wing shooting, trimming the margin to as little as 10 in the closing minutes, but Monroe answered each push. Fabiana Poindujour sealed it with a pair of late buckets, and the Mustangs controlled the final possessions to close out their third win of the season.
Seven different Mustangs scored at least five points, led by Tirado's 13 and Poindujour's 10. Stewart added 7 off the bench, while Huskey posted 9 points and 7 rebounds in another steady two-way performance. Monroe also won the turnover battle decisively, turning PSA's 28 giveaways into 26 points.
The Mustangs will pack their bags later this week as they head down to Miami Dade College to participate in the Jim and Jan Cox Classic.
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University encompasses a total of 26 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as the Monroe University 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.MonroeUMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (@MonroeMustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs).
