Monroe men split weekend tilt

NEW ROCHELLE, New York - The MCC men's basketball team split a pair of games at Monroe College's Roundball Classic over the weekend.

The Tribunes shot a blistering 63 percent and put up a season-high point total in a 109-91 win over previously unbeaten Macomb on Saturday. Monroe then fell 77-67 to ASA on Sunday.

In a battle of teams receiving votes in the NJCAA Division II national poll, it was the MCC offense that stole the show Saturday against Macomb. Four players scored 20 or more points, and the starting five shot a combined 41-for-58 from the field in the impressive win.

Mike Kelly Jr. led the way. The sophomore forward was 14-for-16 from the floor and finished with a career-high 29 points to go along with seven rebounds and four assists. Kelly scored 15 in the first half as Monroe opened an 11-point lead at the break.

Noah West caught fire in the second half to add to the Tribune lead. West hit all seven of his field goals - including a pair of 3-pointers - and scored 21 of his 26 over the final 20 minutes to help Monroe maintain its advantage. He also finished with a team-high six assists.

Gilberto Cue hit four 3's and scored 21, and Majesty Brandon added 20 to pace the Monroe attack.

The Tribunes took an early lead against NJCAA Division I ASA on Sunday, but the Avengers outscored MCC 45-29 in the second half to come away with the win.

Kelly had another solid game, and his 12 first-half points helped Monroe jump out to a 38-32 lead at the break. But the Tribunes went cold in the second half (32 percent) as ASA took command.

Brandon tallied a team-high 17 points, while Kelly and West finished with 14 each. Brien Wilson blocked seven shots.