Fort Myers, FL- Monroe saw its two-game win streak halted Thursday night, falling 90-82 on the road at Florida SouthWestern State. The Mustangs now move to 3–3 on the year after running into one of the nation's hottest shooting teams.
FSW hit 53 percent from the field and drilled 12 threes, while Monroe battled back repeatedly but could never reclaim the lead after opening the game ahead 11–5.
Naceiar Kirksey delivered another standout performance, finishing with 26 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals while going a perfect 7-for-7 at the line. He sparked Monroe early with back-to-back threes and kept the Mustangs within reach late, scoring 16 in the second half.
Nick Williams added 16 points and 5 boards, hitting a timely three early in the second period as Monroe cut the deficit to single digits multiple times. Tavien Tyler gave the Mustangs an important lift off the bench with 16 points, 2 made threes, and 4-for-5 shooting at the stripe.
Monroe's bench contributed 26 points, highlighted by Tyler, Jago Robinson's corner three in the first half, and solid minutes from Nehemiah McMorris and Faquir Mosley.
Every time Monroe threatened to swing momentum, FSW had an answer, most notably through Mason Blazer, who scored 31 points and went 8-for-12 from deep.
The Mustangs trailed 41-35 at halftime but surged late, pulling within four at 77–81 on Kirksey's free throws with 1:50 remaining. FSW closed the game at the line, going 26-for-39 overall to seal the win.
Monroe returns to action looking to bounce back and climb above .500 as the early non-conference schedule continues vs Miami Dade.
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).
