NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Monroe College Men’s Basketball Team secured its spot in the NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship tournament with a win over in the District 3 Championship. The tournament will be held at Hutchison, KS held from March 17th to the 21st. This marks the teams return to the tournament for the first time since 2012.
The Mustangs defeated Baltimore City Community College 71-61 to win the District tournament in Baltimore last weekend.
Thomas Rivera, who along with Joel Angus III was one of two Monroe starters designated as an All-Region player, was named Region tournament MVP.
“This accomplishment is particularly special for this team as they have achieved so much in a relatively short time together,” said Head Coach Jeff Brustad.
Brustad, who was named Region XV Coach of the Year award for the seventh time, returned only two players from last year’s team, added transfers, moved up Junior Varsity players and completed the roster with freshmen players.
“It’s been a fantastic learning experience for all involved,” said Brustad. “They’ve really strengthened all aspects of their play and exhibited true teamwork to achieve results.”
At the Region XV tournament Monroe College defeated ASA and Harcum.
The 24-8 Monroe men will tip off in the NJCAA Division I National Championship on Tuesday March 17th at 12:00 noon CT (1:00pm ET) against 11th-seeded Trinity Valley Community College, whose current season record is 27-4.
The games will be live streamed on the NJCAA TV website.