Hot-shooting Monroe takes down Erie

BUFFALO - It's halfway through the grueling Western New York Athletic Conference schedule, and the MCC men's basketball team couldn't have put itself in better position.

The Tribunes improved to 6-0 in conference play and 17-5 overall with an 84-77 road victory over Erie CC Tuesday night. The win was the 10th in a row for the team.

MCC has a two-game lead (with two games in hand) over Erie and Niagara. The regular season champion will host the Region III, Division II tournament in early March.

MCC shot 52 percent from the field, including 45 percent (9-for-20) from beyond the arc against the Kats. Isaiah Davis paced the attack with a game-high 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting. The freshman also pulled down a game-leading eight rebounds.

Conversely, Erie was pressured into 38 percent shooting by a tough Monroe defense. The Tribunes were able to overcome 26 turnovers, which were the second-most in a game this year.

TJ Davis also hit double figures for MCC, connecting on three 3's and finishing with 14. Emmanuel Joseph added nine points, while Tashawn Desir had eight points and six assists.

Dykweil Bryan and Anthony Hemingway scored seven points apiece.