NEW ROCHELLE, NY - A strong second half performance was not enough for the Baltimore City Panthers to comeback against the mighty Monroe Mustangs in an 85-67 loss in New York. The Panthers fall to 10-11 on the season in game five of an arduous eight game road trip while the Mustangs improve to 20-5 on the season.

The Panthers took an early 3-2 lead on a Zach Smith three pointer as the Panther point guard had another strong game. The Mustangs answered back by working the ball through the paint while Baltimore City used the perimeter as Carlos Green hit a big three pointer to slow a Monroe run. Blake Neverdon hit a couple from long range late in the first half to cut the Monroe lead down to nine, but Monroe was able to extend to a 37-23 lead at halftime. 

Both teams came out firing in the second half as the points came early and often in the second half of play. Kut Deng knocked down a three pointer followed by another Neverdon three as the Panthers continued to keep pace with Monroe. The Mustangs built up a 23 point lead midway through the second half, but a 7-0 run for Baltimore City capped by another Green three brought the Panthers back within striking distance. Despite the hot shooting of Baltimore City, Monroe's inside presence proved too much for the Panthers to overcome.

Smith led the way for Baltimore City once again with 20 points while gritting his way through 38 minutes on the court. Neverdon scored 14 points with four made three pointers while also adding 8 rebounds to his name. Ifanieye Lewis added 9 points while Green scored 8 off the bench. 

The Panthers will next return to Maryland as they travel to Cecil College on Saturday, February 10 at 3 PM. The historically strong Seahawks are having a down year at 5-18 overall as the Panthers will look to avenge a 108-88 loss in the 2022-23 season.