WARREN, Mich. – Statement made. Macomb Men's Basketball, who earlier this week was picked to finish eighth of nine teams in the MCCAA Eastern Conference, made a statement Friday (Nov. 5) with a big win over Bryant & Stratton (OH). The Monarchs, now 2-0 on the young campaign, defeated the visiting Bobcats by an 86-70 final while holding a 20-plus point lead for much of the contest.

The Bobcats entered Friday's contest receiving votes in the NJCAA Division II Preseason Poll after finishing the 2020-21 season one win shy of the national tournament.

On Friday, the Monarchs defense set the tone, holding the Bobcats to only two points over the game's first 7:30. The stifling defense allowed the Monarchs to jump out to an 11-2 lead early and a 17-point, 39-22, halftime edge. The Monarchs held the Bobcats to 27.6% shooting in the first half while forcing 10 turnovers. The biggest difference in the first half was the way the Blue & White attacked the rim as they outscored the opposition, 26-4, in points in the paint over the opening 20 minutes of play.

Second half action saw the Monarchs cruise behind another balanced offensive performance and a dedicated defensive effort by the team.

Tariq Humes (Farmington, Mich./Elevation Prep) led all Monarchs with a team-high 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting, while John Ukomadu (Southfield, Mich./Vincennes) finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds, six blocks, and three assists. Jiovanni Miles (Novi, Mich./Wisconsin-Green Bay) posted 14 points and added a team-best five assists in 29 minutes. Jaylen Daughtery (Detroit, Mich./Mott) and Elijah Belle (Detroit, Mich./Davenport) followed with 10 and nine points, respectively, in the 16-point win over one of the nation's top teams in the preseason poll.

The Monarchs hit the road for their first away game of the season Sunday (Nov. 7) at Albion JV. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.