NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Monroe College men’s basketball team stretched its winning streak to six games on Tuesday as the Mustangs defeated Isaiah Christopher Academy by a score of 97-55 at the Monroe Athletic Complex. The Mustangs improve to 18-10 on the season with the win.
The Grizzlies netted the first basket of the game, but that was the only lead the visitors took on Tuesday. The Mustangs immediately turned it around with a 7-0 run, capped off by a three by Deins Bergis. After Isaiah Christopher’s Michael Gibson made a three, the Mustangs rattled off 17 straight points, including 15 points by Jhery Matos that included four three-pointers, giving Monroe a 24-5 advantage with 10:47 left in the half.
Monroe’s big run was halted by a Grizzlies free throw, but Monroe went on the offensive once again with the next nine points. The Mustangs kept their momentum rolling through the end of the half, going on a 7-0 run to close out the frame and secure a 50-18 lead at the break.
The second half was a little more even in Tuesday’s matchup, as the Mustangs outscored the Grizzlies, 47-37. Both teams were scoring back-and-forth to open the second half, with the Grizzlies getting back with 26 points at the 17:16 mark. Late in the frame, a 7-0 run for Monroe made it a 40-point game, and five straight points shortly after put them up by 45 with 2:56 on the clock. The Mustangs held their large lead late to earn the 42-point victory.
Matos led the Mustangs with 24 points in just 18 minutes on Tuesday. Ebrima Jassey Demba followed with 14 points, while Clythus Griffith netted 11 off the bench. Deng Bol Yol picked up eight points and 10 boards, including six offensive rebounds. Clifton Tracey finished with nine points and seven rebounds, while Damont Kearse dished out a team-high five assists.
The Mustangs return to action with a crucial regional matchup on Thursday, Feb. 22, when they host Harcum College at the Monroe Athletic Complex. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.
