New Rochelle, NY – The Monroe University Mustangs Men's Basketball team (20-4 overall) defeated Mohawk Valley Community College (12-7 overall), 89-64, on Tuesday evening.

HOW IT HAPPENED

· Mohawk Valley struck first early in the opening minutes, but Monroe responded quickly with baskets from Fernando De Los Santos and Riley Dunn to take an early lead.

· The teams traded baskets midway through the first half before the Mustangs used a scoring run fueled by Nick Williams and Naceiar Kirksey to extend the lead.

· Late in the first half, Monroe continued to score inside, closing the half on a run to take a 40-29 lead into the break.

· Monroe opened the second half with consecutive baskets to push the lead into double digits and maintained control with consistent scoring in the paint.

· A three-pointer by Tavien Tyler midway through the second half helped extend the Mustangs' advantage as Monroe continued to pull away.

· The Mustangs stretched the lead to as many as 26 points late in the game before closing out the 89-64 victory.

STATS AND NOTES

· Nick Williams led the Mustangs with 20 points on 9-of-10 shooting while adding 11 rebounds.

· Naceiar Kirksey added 18 points and seven assists in the win.

· Tavien Tyler finished with 13 points, including three three-pointers.

· Riley Dunn recorded a double-double with 12 points and 20 rebounds.

· Monroe finished the game shooting 50.7 percent from the field and outrebounded Mohawk Valley 54-23.

UP NEXT

· The Mustangs return to action on Valentine's Day as they head to Baltimore to take on Baltimore City Community College followed by a matchup on Sunday against Howard Community College.

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).