Tribs pull away from Saints for 12th straight

ROCHESTER - Faced with a halftime deficit and struggling from the field, the MCC men's basketball team responded with a big run to open the second half en route to a 95-85 win over Mercyhurst North east Saturday.

The Tribunes improved to 8-0 in WNYAC play and 19-5 overall. The win was the 12th straight for Monroe. The Saints are 3-6, 15-7.

MCC opened the second half on a 22-4 run, fueled by seven points from TJ Davis and six from Emmanuel Joseph. Second-chance points were the key, as MCC scored 13 of the 22 after an offensive rebound.

The boards played a big factor in the outcome, as Monroe held a huge 54-32 edge on the glass. MCC finished with 27 offensive rebounds, which they turned into 28 second-chance points. Elijah Tillman was a monster on the boards, finishing with a game-high 15 to go along with 16 points.

Tashawn Desir and Davis were the catalysts in the big second half. Desir had 16 of his team-high 23 over the final 20 minutes. The sophomore point guard continuously found his way to the basket - and consequently to the free throw line - where he converted 11-of-13.

Davis scored 16 on the game, with 11 coming in the second half. The sophomoe guard provided the most exciting moments of the game with two consecutive slams that gave the Tribunes their largest lead at 85-66 with 4:16 left.

Joseph also hit double figures with 10 to go along with a team-high five assists. Anthony Hemingway chipped in with nine points.

Je'Land Head and Ramon Sheffield led the Saints with 26 apiece.