MCC starts fast, coasts past Mercyhurst

NORTH EAST, Pennsylvania - The second-ranked MCC women's basketball team rode the strength of a 52-point first half to a 79-38 victory over Mercyhurst North East in a WNYAC matchup Thursday night. 

Shanice Johnson scored 13 of her game-high 17 over the first 20 minutes as the Lady Tribunes (7-0, 23-0) raced to a 52-11 lead at the break. Monroe scored 30 in the second quarter alone, sparked by three 3's from Alexis Brito. 

Johnson also added six rebounds and six steals for MCC, which had 19 steals on the game. Deja Carroll was 7-for-9 from the floor and netted 15, and Brito and Kiki Bynes chipped in 10 apiece. 

The Tribunes shot 52 percent from the floor while holding the Saints to just 23 percent. Monroe also forced 27 turnovers.