Streaking Monroe topples Genesee
ROCHESTER - In terms of aesthetic appeal, Saturday's MCC men's basketball game with Genesee probably won't make the end-of-the-season highlight reel. But the Tribunes will definitely accept the outcome.
Monroe pulled away from the Cougars for a 69-56 win that ran the team's winning streak to five games. The Tribs are 5-3 in WNYAC play and 13-11 overall, and currently sit in third place in the conference standings after an 0-3 start.
Majesty Brandon led all scorers with 26 points as streaking Monroe continued to make noise during the season's second half. MCC has a pair of games remaining in the regular season - a road tilt at Erie on Wednesday before the home finale next Saturday against Jamestown.
Brandon finished 9-for-19 from the floor and also pulled down a team-best 10 rebounds. The sophomore guard is averaging 28.4 points over the past five games, all MCC Wins.
GCC cut Monroe's lead to single digits late in the game before a big 3-point play from Keysean Smith restored a double-digit lead with 2:16 remaining. Omari Brown and Brandon then came through with a pair of free throws each to clinch the win.
Jason Hawkes finished with 13 points and Brown contributed 10 for Monroe. Gilberto Cue added seven points and six rebounds.