Bel Air, MD- The Monroe Mustangs set the tone early and never let up Tuesday night, racing out to a double-digit first-quarter lead and cruising to an 84–56 win over Harford Community College.
Monroe controlled the game from the opening tip, putting together a 26-point first quarter behind efficient shooting and active defense. The Mustangs followed with a 22-point second frame to take a commanding 48–26 lead into halftime, forcing turnovers and converting in transition to create separation.
Angie Tirado led the charge offensively, pouring in a game-high 17 points while knocking down five triples to spark the early run. Bre Jefferson added 13 points and attacked the paint all night, while Hellary De Los Santos dominated the glass with eight rebounds to go along with eight points and multiple defensive stops.
The Mustangs' depth proved to be the difference. Kaylyn Lelie and Astou Diongue each chipped in eight points off the bench, Skylah Kemp added six, and Fabiana Poindujour and Eniyah Stinnette provided key minutes and timely baskets as Monroe's reserves combined for 42 bench points.
Monroe's defense suffocated Harford throughout the first three quarters, holding the home side to just 37 points entering the fourth and forcing 31 total turnovers that led to easy scoring opportunities. The Mustangs also controlled the paint, outscoring Harford inside and finishing with 39 rebounds as a team.
Coach Seney's group now heads to North Branch, NJ to take on the same Raritan Valley Community College team they beat by 98 points a few weeks back.
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).
