Miami, FL. - Monroe opened Day 1 of the Jim & Jan Cox Classic with a convincing 72–57 win over St. Pete putting together a wire-to-wire defensive effort and a dominant second quarter that broke the game open. The Mustangs shot 40 percent from the field, forced 21 turnovers, and had three players score in double figures in their victory over the Titans.
Monroe trailed only briefly in the first quarter before settling in behind the hot hand of Angie Tirado, who knocked down back-to-back threes to flip an early PSC lead into a 6-2 advantage. The Titans answered with a run to go up 15-9 late in the period, but Monroe closed the quarter strong. A transition three from Sheridan Oberhand and a steal-and-score from Alex Stewart in the final seconds pushed the Mustangs ahead 18-17 after one.
The second quarter was where Monroe completely took control. The Mustangs ripped off 26 points behind suffocating defense and transition scoring. Kaylyn Lelie erupted for 11 points in the frame, repeatedly beating the defense down the floor for easy baskets. Monroe forced multiple turnovers, ran in transition, and built a 44-28 halftime lead while controlling the pace on both ends.
St. Petersburg countered with its best stretch of the night in the third, opening the half on an 18-8 run while Monroe struggled from the field. The Mustangs shot just 19 percent in the quarter, allowing PSC to pull within 50-46 in the final minute. A timely bucket from Fabiana Poindujour helped steady Monroe, which entered the fourth leading 52-46.
Monroe immediately rebuilt its cushion in the final frame. Sydney Huskey opened with a three, and the Mustangs quickly restored their double-digit lead. Hellary De Los Santos delivered several key baskets inside and controlled the glass throughout the quarter, finishing with 11 points and 17 rebounds. Monroe held the Titans to only 11 points in the fourth and closed the game on a 20-11 run, capped by Tirado's fourth three of the night to extend the margin to 17.
Lelie led all scorers with 19 points off the bench. Tirado scored 12, while De Los Santos posted her double-double. Poindujour added 11 assists, 4 steals, and 6 points as Monroe turned SPC's 21 turnovers into 22 points.
The Mustangs return to action tomorrow for Day 2 of the Jim & 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).
