Morristown, N.J. (Nov. 8, 2025) – Saint Elizabeth University Men's Basketball kicked off the 2025–26 campaign with a hard-fought 72–66 victory over York College (NY) on Saturday afternoon inside Saint Joseph Gym.

The Eagles used a balanced offensive attack and key defensive stops in the final minutes to fend off a second-half surge from the Cardinals.

Tye-Rell Monroe led the way for Saint Elizabeth with a game-high 20 points, knocking down three three-pointers while adding five rebounds and an assist. Josiah King provided a major spark off the bench, finishing with 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Joe Mazzola added 11 points, going a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, while Johnathan Quiles II chipped in 10 points.

Saint Elizabeth controlled the glass throughout the game, matching York's physicality with a 51–51 rebounding battle, including 14 offensive boards. The Eagles also got major contributions from their bench, which outscored York's reserves 33–24.

After trailing 25–20 midway through the first half, SEU closed on a 12–0 run fueled by back-to-back threes from Monroe and Mazzola to take a 32–25 lead into halftime. In the second half, York's Joshua Jackman (18 points, 14 rebounds) and Jonte Wallace (8 points, 11 rebounds) helped the Cardinals rally, cutting the deficit to 65–63 with just under two minutes to play.

Monroe responded with a driving layup, and the Eagles held York scoreless in the final minute to seal the season-opening win.

Saint Elizabeth finished 25-of-64 (39%) from the field and 9-of-23 (39%) from three, while York shot 33% overall and 24% from deep.

With the victory, Saint Elizabeth starts the year 1–0 and will next face FDU-Florham in the battle of Madison Ave. on Tuesday, November 11th, with tip off set for 7:00PM.