No. 2 Richard Bland Falls To Monroe (N.Y.) Community College 77-67

BALTIMORE, Md. -- Sophomore Robert Smith/Hampton scored 21 points but NJCAA Division II preseason No. 2 Richard Bland College dropped a 77-67 non-region men's basketball decision to Monroe (N.Y.) Community College on Friday night in Baltimore, Maryland.  Freshman Kenny Southerland/Richmond added nine points and six rebounds for the nationally-ranked Statesmen (5-1), who dropped their first game of the season at the Legends Classic hosted by Baltimore City Community College.  Majesty Brandon scored 21 points for the Tribunes (4-2).  Richard Bland will play NJCAA Division I Monroe (N.Y.) College in another non-region game on Saturday, November 18, at 1 p.m. in Baltimore. 

Richard Bland led Monroe CC at halftime, 37-36, as Smith scored 19 first-half points.  Unfortunately, the Tribune outscored the Statesmen 41-30 during the second half for the neutral-site win.

Smith led Richard Bland with his 21 points, including two three-point field goals.  Southerland added nine points and six rebounds, while making his first collegiate start.  Sophomore Tim Bing Jr./Suitland, Maryland finished with eight (second-half) points, including two three-pointers, adding four assists.  Freshman Tyrell Mendenhall/Newberry, South Carolina contributed eight points and four rebounds, and classmate Ryan Jones/Smithfield had six assists along with three points.

Brandon led Monroe CC with his 21 points, while Mike Kelly Jr. added 20 points.

Following Saturday's game in Baltimore, Richard Bland remains away from home to play its first Region 10 contest this season at Vance-Granville (N.C.) Community College on Monday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. in Henderson, North Carolina.