Tribunes pound Mercyhurst, 90-49
ROCHESTER - After struggling to an 0-3 start in Western New York Athletic Conference play, the MCC men's basketball team was looking to make a statement that it shouldn't be counted out just yet.
It turns out, a little home cookin' was just what the Tribunes needed.
Playing its first home game in over two months, Monroe steamrolled its way to a 90-49 victory over Mercyhurst North East in an emphatic performance on Monagan Court. The win improved MCC to 1-3 in the WNYAC and 9-11 overall.
An extended road trip in December, coupled with three home games being wiped off the slate in January due to weather, had the Tribunes salivating to play in front of a home crowd. The team certainly did not disappoint as MCC jumped out quick and never backed down.
Majesty Brandon hit a pair of early 3's and Gilberto Cue added another as Monroe raced to a 14-0 lead. A 20-3 spurt midway through the half helped propel the lead even further. Brandon was again the catalyst, as the 6-foot guard scored 11 in the run including a pair of thunderous one-handed jams. He finished with 23 in the half on his way to a game-high 31.
Ball movement was key all evening for Monroe. The Tribunes had 19 assists on the game, led by nine from Wes Nelson Jr. Monroe also controlled the boards with a 57-42 edge on the glass.
Jason Hawkes totaled 16 points and eight rebounds for MCC. Taylor Clements had a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards, while Keysean Smith added nine points and 12 rebounds.