New Rochelle, NY - The Monroe College Mustangs men’s basketball team suffered a 68-62 defeat to No. 7 Northwest Florida State College on Wednesday, despite a strong second-half push. The loss drops the Mustangs to [record not specified in text] on the season.
Naceiar Kirksey led Monroe with 14 points, while Nick Williams contributed 12 points, nine rebounds, and three steals. Freshman Nico Pena earned his first career start and delivered 11 points, shooting 5-for-11 from the field in 28 minutes.
Pena sparked the Mustangs’ offense in the first half, scoring a team-high seven points on 3-for-4 shooting. Jago Robinson and Williams added six points apiece before halftime.
Monroe seized momentum early in the second half,turning a 30-30 tie into a 50-39 lead. Faquir Mosley scored six points during the decisive 20-9 run.
Though, Northwest Florida rallied, capitalizing on free throw opportunities. the Raiders went 8-for-8 from the free-throw line between the 10:51 and 5:12 marks, ultimately taking a 54-53 lead.
A late fast-break layup by Pena, following a steal by Williams, brought Monroe within two points with 38 seconds remaining. Northwest Florida responded by converting four consecutive free throws to secure the 68-62 victory.
Monroe will return to New Rochelle to host Dawson Community College on Friday at 6:00 pm.
monroe University’s athletic program features 26 teams across nine sports, including 19 varsity and junior varsity programs competing as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I) in New Rochelle. The Monroe Express, based in the Bronx, fields seven teams at the NJCAA Division III level.
Further data about the Monroe Mustangs is available at www.MonroeUMustangs.com and on social media: Facebook (monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (@MonroeMustangs), and Instagram (@monroemustangs).
