Big second half pushes Monroe past Genesee

BATAVIA - The MCC men's basketball team turned a close game into a rout in the second half, pulling away for an 88-67 win over Genesee on Wednesday to move to within one game of clinching home court for the regional tournament.

Monroe lead by four at the break before outscoring the Cougars 50-33 over the final 20 minutes to win going away. The Tribunes are 11-2 in WNYAC play and sit a game ahead of second-place Erie. MCC hosts the Kats on Saturday, where a win would clinch home court for the Region III, Division II tournament in March.

Mike Kelly Jr. was the catalyst in the second half on Wednesday. The sophomore forward was 6-of-7 from the floor and scored 13 points while hauling down five boards to lead the charge. Gilberto Cue scored 11 in the second stanza, and Majesty Brandon added 10 as MCC shot 61 percent from the floor over the final 20 minutes.

Brandon finished with a team-high 21 points for MCC. Kelly totaled 17 points and eight rebounds, while Cue had 15 points and dished out six assists.

Wesley Nelson Jr. contributed 12 points and four steals and Omari Brown added 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists. The duo combined to go 9-for-9 from the floor.

MCC shot 61 percent (39-of-64) on the evening and held a 41-26 edge on the glass.