NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Monroe College women’s basketball team dropped a 64-50 decision to Region XV foe, and No. 14-ranked ASA College Tuesday evening at the Monroe Athletic Complex. The Mustangs fall to 13-11 on the year with the loss, while ASA remains unbeaten at 19-0 and claims the Region Championship.
ASA netted the first three points of the game in the first 21 seconds, but the Mustangs responded with the next four to take an early advantage. The Mustangs later led, 6-5, before ASA went on an 8-0 run to take a 13-6 lead. Amani Williams closed out the first quarter with a three, leaving the Mustangs down, 14-11, heading into the second.
Cristina Soriano opened the second frame with a layup to make it a one-point game. Shortly after, a 7-0 run for the Avengers gave them a 23-15 edge, but the Mustangs closed the gap to get within five at 24-19 at halftime.
Shanice Graves opened the third with a three to make it a two-point game, and Cristina Soriano made the next bucket to tie the game up at 24. The Mustangs managed to take a 26-25 lead at the 6:40 mark, but ASA’s first basket of the second half at the 4:45 mark put the visitors ahead, 28-26. Both teams traded baskets throughout the rest of the quarter, with ASA carrying a 40-34 lead into the fourth quarter.
ASA capped off a 15-2 run at the 5:59 mark of the fourth to take a 53-36 lead. The Mustangs rattled off seven straight points, but ASA turned it right back around with an 11-2 run to go up by 19, eventually holding on for the 14 point win.
Williams led the Mustangs with 18 points and seven rebounds in Tuesday’s contest, as well as five assists. Graves added 14 points and six boards, while Phyness Baldwin totaled eight opints and five rebounds.
The Mustangs will look to rebound when they take on Monroe Community College on Monday, Feb. 19. The President’s Day event is set to tip off at 1 p.m.