Cougars upend Monroe, halt winning streak

BATAVIA - The MCC men's basketball team saw its 14-game winning streak come to an end Thursday, as the Tribunes fell 87-86 to Genesee CC in the regular season finale.

Monroe enters the postseason with a record of 10-1 in WNYAC play and 21-6 overall. Despite the defeat, the Tribunes have still locked up home court for the Region III, Division II tournament, which will be played March 1-2 on Monagan Court.

MCC trailed by one at the half before going on a big run to take a 56-43 lead early in the second half. The Cougars battled back, and the contest was close the rest of the way.

The Tribunes led 86-85in the waning seconds, but a missed free throw and a defensive rebound by the Cougars gave the home team the opportunity for the win. Alex Morris drove to the basket and was fouled, and the sophomore drilled both shots for the lead.

MCC's last-second desperation heave from mid-court was off the mark.

Monroe shot 53 percent from the field, but was unable to overcame just 50 percent shooting from the charity stripe (9-of-18). Conversely, the Cougars nailed 24-of-33 free throws.

Tashawn Desir had a big game for MCC, hitting five 3's and scoring a team-high 22 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists. Anthony Hemingway continued his strong play with 18 points and eight assists, while Artice Jackson hit three 3's and scored 15.

Roger Harris was 4-for-4 from the field and finished with 10 for Monroe.