New Rochelle, NY - Jeff Brustad's squad opened Day 1 of the Monroe Invitational with one of their sharpest performances of the young season, powering past previously undefeated Dawson Community College, 93–77. The Mustangs shot over 50% from the field, forced 24 turnovers, and used a dominant second half to take control and never look back.
Dawson came in 5-0 and punched first, but Monroe answered every early run behind balanced scoring and defensive pressure. Abraham Rosario set the tone inside with an energetic first half, bringing down eight rebounds in the opening period alone, while Nico Peña and Nehemiah McMorris provided instant offense off the bench. A late surge highlighted by a Michael Murphy corner three and Faquir Mosley's acrobatic finish sent Monroe into the break leading 43-37.
The Mustangs exploded in the second half, flipping the game with a 50-point frame built on pace, pressure, and ball movement. Naceiar Kirksey caught fire with 19 points (including 14 after halftime), attacking downhill and converting 9–10 from the line. Peña was perfect from the floor once again, adding 10 second-half points and finishing 6-6 for the night. Mosley and Rosario continued to control the interior, while Tavien Tyler delivered a spark with a pair of momentum-swinging threes and active defense.
Monroe's bench outscored Dawson 43-34 and the Mustangs forced 39 points off turnovers, capitalizing on nearly every mistake. Dawson's Aries Lewis (16 pts) and Matthew Kinzeler (14 pts) tried to keep the Buccaneers within reach, but Monroe's depth and constant pressure proved too much down the stretch. The Mustangs stretched the lead to as many as 21 with 1:19 remaining, closing out a complete second-half effort.
Monroe improves to 2–2 and returns tomorrow for Day 2 of the Monroe Invitational, looking to build on the momentum from one of their best all-around performances of the season.
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).
