Bynes, Tribunes pull away to top Baltimore

VALHALLA, New York - The MCC women's basketball team used some timely baskets and solid foul shooting down the stretch to defeat Baltimore City Community College, 59-48, at the ASA College Holiday Classis Sunday afternoon.

The Tribunes (11-1) will face host ASA at 2 p.m. Monday.

Kiki Bynes led the way for Monroe with 16 points and six assists. The freshman point guard also knocked down 5-of-6 free throws in the final 1:32 to help the Tribunes put the game away.

The contest was close throughout the first half, and MCC led 26-22 at the break as both squads struggled to find a groove from the field. The Tribunes then took control with a couple of small runs in the second half.

Leading 30-29 with just under 16 minutes remaining, Tolulope Ogunrinde hit a short jumper and Bailey Hixson followed with a 3 to give the Tribunes a 35-29 lead and a bit of breathing room.

A few minutes later, and with the lead back to four at 38-34, MCC used a 7-0 run to take its first double-digit lead of the game. Bynes started it with a layup, followed by a 3-pointer from Tyese Purvis. Ogunrinde added another bucket and Monroe led 45-34.

MCC kept the lead around 10 the rest of the way. Bynes hit her free throws in the final two minutes, Purvis added a pair of her own, and Adre'onia Coleman chipped in with basket and a free throw to put it away.

Ogunrinde had another double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three blocks. Coleman came off the bench to contribute nine points, six rebounds, and three steals. Hixson and Purvis contributed seven points apiece.