Nassau Community College used a strong second-half surge to defeat Monroe University-Bronx, 76-66, on Tuesday evening. The Lions improved to 13-10 overall and 13-6 in conference play with the win. Nassau's balanced offensive attack and second-half execution proved to be the difference in a tightly contested conference matchup. After a narrow halftime edge, the Lions elevated their defensive pressure and offensive efficiency to pull away late. With strong leadership from Glen Mcbeth Jr and steady contributions across the lineup, Nassau continues to build momentum as the regular season winds down.
How It Happened
The game opened as a back-and-forth battle, with Monroe jumping out to an early 4-0 lead before Isaiah Blunt put Nassau on the board with a jumper at the 17:52 mark. Glen Mcbeth Jr quickly found his rhythm from beyond the arc, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers to give Nassau an early 8-7 advantage.
Both teams traded baskets throughout the first half, with multiple lead changes and tight defensive stretches. Charlie Destefano provided a spark off the bench for the Lions, converting inside and protecting the rim with several blocks. Monroe's Adrian Rosario helped the visitors stay in front with aggressive play in the paint, but Mcbeth's perimeter shooting and Blunt's work on the glass kept Nassau within striking distance.
In the closing seconds of the half, Jaiden Sanabria missed a potential go-ahead shot, but Nassau carried a slim 31-30 lead into the break after shooting 37.5 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes.
The second half belonged to Nassau. After trading baskets early in the period, the Lions began to separate midway through the half. Evan Pasik and Blunt connected on key interior buckets, while Amir Reushell-Sanders attacked the rim for a three-point play opportunity that pushed the lead to double digits. Mcbeth continued to deliver in big moments, scoring 18 of his game-high 26 points in the second half, including clutch free throws and timely three-pointers.
With just over 12 minutes remaining, Mcbeth drilled a three to extend Nassau's lead to 49-38. The Lions capitalized on turnovers and improved their efficiency, shooting 55.2 percent from the field in the second half.
Monroe attempted to rally behind Jalonie Pittman and Steven McGriff, but Nassau maintained control down the stretch. Free throws from McBeth and strong interior finishes from Blunt and Reushell-Sanders helped seal the 10-point victory.
By the Numbers
- Glen Mcbeth Jr led all scorers with 26 points, including four three-pointers and going 8-10 at the free-throw line.
- Amir Reushell-Sanders added 15 points and four assists.
- Isaiah Blunt recorded 13 points and nine rebounds.
- Nassau shot 46% from the field and 28% from three-point range.
- The Lions held a 40-36 rebound advantage and dished out 15 assists.
- Charlie Destefano contributed eight points with seven blocks and five rebounds.
Up Next
Nassau will travel to SUNY Sullivan for the final regular season game on Saturday, February 21st. The Lions will advance to the Region XV playoffs next week, and awaits their seed in the conference tournament after regular season play wraps up. The Region XV quarterfinal round will be played at the higher seed on Tuesday, February 24th.
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