New Rochelle, NY - The Mustangs opened play at the Monroe University Invitational on Friday evening with a 73-62 loss to Daytona State College despite 4 different players scoring in double figures.
Daytona State established an early advantage behind consistent perimeter shooting, taking a 37-32 lead into halftime. Monroe competed throughout the opening half and remained within striking distance, but had difficulty finding a steady offensive rhythm, particularly from three-point range.
The Mustangs continued to battle in the second half and made multiple efforts to close the gap, cutting the deficit to just a few possessions at several points. Each time Monroe threatened, Daytona State answered with key baskets to regain control. A run midway through the half allowed the Falcons to extend the lead into double figures, creating separation that proved difficult to overcome in the final minutes.
Naceiar Kirksey paced Monroe with 17 points, converting all nine of his free throw attempts, while Qingfang Pang added 14 points and five rebounds. Nick Williams contributed 11 points and nine rebounds, and Nico Pena also reached double figures with 11 points.
Monroe finished the night shooting 36.8 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from three-point range, while Daytona State knocked down 14 three-pointers in the contest. The Mustangs will look to get back in the win column tomorrow as they play host to Hagerstown Community College. Tip off is scheduled for 1:00 PM tomorrow at the MAC.
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).
