Defense fuels another Monroe victory

BUFFALO - The MCC women's basketball team continued its perfect start to the new year, defeating host Erie CC 70-49 Tuesday evening.

The 24th-ranked Lady Tribunes are now a perfect 5-0 since the calendar flipped to 2014. Monroe is 19-3 overall.

The Tribunes harassed the Kats into 35 percent shooting on the evening, including just 2-for-17 from long distance. MCC also forced 24 turnovers, which they turned into 24 points.

Bailey Hixson hit five 3-pointers for the third time in the past four games and finished with a career-high 22 points to lead Monroe. The freshman also tallied six rebounds and four assists. Tyra Jones came off the bench to score 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting, while Dionne Coe chipped in with 11.

MCC led 35-21 at the break. The Tribunes ended the night with 20 assists on 26 made baskets.

Nubia Haynes added nine points and 12 rebounds, Rose Ayala scored eight, and Ayana Ratliff had six points, five rebounds, and 11 assists.