New Rochelle, NY - The Mustangs put together a complete performance Sunday afternoon, pulling away in both halves to earn an 84-65 victory over Hagerstown Community College at the MAC.
Monroe set the tone early, shooting efficiently and pushing the tempo to take a 43-27 lead into halftime. The Mustangs continued to control the game after the break, outscoring Hagerstown 41-38 in the second half and stretching the margin to as many as 22 points down the stretch.
Fernando De Los Santos anchored the Mustangs with a strong all-around effort, finishing with 16 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Nico Pena added 17 points, knocking down three triples and going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line, while Nick Williams chipped in 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting. Tavien Tyler provided a spark off the bench with 14 points, and Riley Dunn added 12 points and seven rebounds to help Monroe dominate the glass, 47-22.
Monroe shot 47.5 percent from the field and scored 38 points in the paint, using ball movement and inside pressure to keep Hagerstown on its heels. The Mustangs also capitalized on turnovers, converting them into 18 points, while getting 42 points from the bench.
Hagerstown was led by Najeh Allen, who scored 20 points, including four three-pointers, but Monroe's depth and rebounding advantage proved too much to overcome.
With the win, the Mustangs improved to 8-4 on the season and will look to carry the momentum forward as they continue their non conference slate in Yuma, Arizona.
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).
