HUTCHINSON, KS.–The No. 13 Monroe men's basketball team advanced to the second round of the 2026 NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament on Saturday night after a 77-72 victory over No. 20 Mineral Area.

HOW IT HAPPENED

·      The Mustangs captured a 10-point lead in the first half, holding Mineral Area to just 27 points while the Mustangs tallied 37.

·      Naceiar Kirksey led the Mustangs in the first half with 11 points and five rebounds as he went 5-8 from the field.

·      The Mustangs' powerful defense forced 11 Mineral Area turnovers in the first half while also forcing two steals.

·      The second half was all about Nick Williams as he powered the Mustangs with 16 points in the half, shooting 5-9 from the field and 6-7 from the free-throw line and recording five rebounds.

·      The Mustangs' defense forced four steals and forced 11 more turnovers to Mineral Area, which led to the Mustangs holding the Cardinals to just 45 points in the second half.

·      Riley Dunn's six rebounds and four points in the second half contributed to the Mustangs' 40 points in the second half, leading to the Mustangs' eventual victory.

STATS AND NOTES

·      Monroe won the first ever matchup against Mineral Area in program history.

·      Nick Williams led the Mustangs with 24 points on the day, including eight boards and two steals.

·      Williams' 24 points were the second highest number of points he's had this season.

·      Williams also went 12-14 from the free-throw line, which is the second highest amount he's made this season.

·      Naceiar Kirksey tallied his 29th double-digit game with 18 points on the day, which included six rebounds.  

·      The Mustangs captured their fifth win in the NJCAA tournament with the last coming in 2025 against Chipola.

UP NEXT

·      The Mustangs will face No. 4 Trinity Valley on Monday, March 23 at 5:30 p.m. CT in the second round of the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball tournament.