Monroe Falls to GCC in a Tight Battle, 84-80

BATAVIA, NY - A tough pill to swallow for the Tribunes as they fall to the Cougars of GCC, 84-80, suffering their second loss of the season. Monroe led at half, 43-40, but a high 51.7% shooting percentage from GCC, 55.2% in the second half, was enough to edge out the Tribs. 

Monroe Community College started strong in the first half with balanced scoring and efficient shooting. Alan Garcia (Bronx, NY) led the way with 12 points, going 5-for-9 from the field and a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. Delroy Smith (Hillside, NJ) contributed seven points and four rebounds, showing his versatility on both ends. Jaheem Tyson (Brooklyn, NY) added another seven points while dominating the glass with six rebounds. The bench provided a spark, with Gemani Charles (Brooklyn, NY) shooting an impressive 4-for-5 from beyond the arc to tally twelve points in just 10 minutes. Overall, the team shot a solid 45.7% from the field and made all five free-throw attempts. Their 23 rebounds, including nine on the offensive end, gave them extra possessions, though turnovers (8 total) were a concern. 

In the second half, Monroe struggled with shooting consistency, converting only 40.0% of their field goals and a low 20.0% from three-point range. Garcia remained a key contributor, adding nine points with a strong 5-for-6 performance at the free-throw line. Tyson and Smith both chipped in six points, with Smith displaying near-perfect shooting efficiency. Charles continued to provide offense off the bench, scoring 7 points in limited minutes. However, the team's rebounding declined, with only 17 boards (four offensive) compared to 23 in the first half. Turnovers also increased to 10, hampering offensive momentum. The struggle to keep the ball and shoot at a high percentage led to the Cougars finishing in front.

Despite the loss, Monroes had some clear key contributors to their success. Garcia was a force offensively, scoring 21 points which led the team, and grabbed five rebounds. Tyson had his third triple-double in a row, scoring 13 points and grabbing a team-leading 10 rebounds. Charles gave solid minutes off the bench, putting up 19 points and five rebounds. 

The biggest cost for Monroe was turnovers nearly doubling up GCC having 19 to the Cougars' 11. With those turnovers came offensive momentum for GCC, who was able to take advantage in the second half and hold a lead for the final nine minutes to steal the win. The Tribs will hope to rebound from these mistakes as they travel to Cleveland to take on Cuyahoga Community College.  

NEXT UP: Cuyahoga Community College | 11/22/24 (6 pm) | Metro Gymnasium (Cleveland, OH)