PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY---The PAC-12 was the first to fall as they were not prepared on opening night. Next, the ACC was too busy deciding what they would do at "The Most Magical Place On Earth" and took them lightly. Then, on Tuesday evening the Big East was too caught up in their finals exams to pay any attention. And Sunday afternoon, the Big Ten knew they were coming and simply could do nothing about it.
The team causing havoc to the power conferences is none other than the Monmouth Hawks, for they were back to doing what they do best this afternoon versus in-state rival Rutgers.
While both offenses had very little success early (19 total points in 8 minutes), the following did not account for Monmouth's Justin Robinson and Rutgers' Mike Williams, who both nailed a pair of triples prior to the under 12 media timeout.
Thankfully for the fans inside "The RAC," the two squads came out of the timeout with a renewed sense of purpose leading to an offensive explosion from both sides. Following the bursts, the Hawks seized control and a three-point lead with back-to-back layups, one from each Austin Tilghman and Chris Brady.
Attempting to stop his opponent from soaring far ahead, Rutgers head coach Eddie Jordan popped a 30-second timeout. It didn't help as the Hawks continued putting the "biscuit in the basket" while extending their edge to double-digits (27-17 MON with 5:04 remaining in 1st half).
However, refusing to lie down, Bradley transfer Omari Grier produced a quick six points for the Scarlet Knights to lessen the gap to 7 (30-23 MON). Yet, despite five of "fab freshman" Corey Sanders' game-high 16 in the final 1:01, Monmouth's Zac Tillman countered with four of his own to allow his squad to take a 37-31 advantage into the locker room.
Starting the second half, Rutgers finally was able to steal momentum unopposed behind their young backcourt duo (Sanders and Williams) while posting a 7-2 spurt (39-38 MON).
Unfortunately for the Scarlet Knights, and almost like clockwork, another drought ensued, which permitted Monmouth to fly swiftly ahead on a 17-5 breeze (56-43 MON). Though, like all trailing teams, Rutgers had a big run left in them. And unlike most, they didn't waste it.
Commencing their final comeback down 13 with 8:54 on the clock, Williams was able to get open and make a layup that propelled a 17-4 march to tie the game at 65 (2:17 remaining in regulation). After a made layup by the Hawks' Deon Jones and a nailed jumper from Rutgers' Bishop Daniels, "jazzy junior" Justin Robinson drove the lane and fired a floater. Off the mark! But Chris Brady, who had been a rebound monster all day, cleaned up the miss from his star guard and laid it home for two. 69-67 Monmouth!
On the ensuing possession, Rutgers worked the ball in their offense until desperation mode kicked in with the shot clock winding down resulting in an ill-advised by Williams. Clank! Deon Jones came down with the defensive rebound and immediately put it in the hands of Robinson.
With the shot clock turned off the Scarlet Knights were of course forced to foul Monmouth's best free throw shooter Robinson. Yet, maybe they should buy a lottery ticket a lottery ticket after this one, for he missed the back-end of two attempts, ultimately keeping Rutgers' deficit at three.
Rushing the ball up court, Williams, Sanders, and the gang set up shop with 23 seconds remaining. Passing the ball around the perimeter, the Scarlet Knights settled for a game-tying attempt by Sanders. Again, no dice! This time Jones pulled down the miss for Monmouth and made both from the charity stripe to move the Hawks to 4-1 against power conference opponents this season.
An Already Historical Season
With a player of Justin Robinson's caliber returning to West Long Branch, New Jersey, fans of the 8-3 Monmouth Hawks had to know this year would be special. But, this special? Wins over UCLA, Notre Dame, and Georgetown special? No way! Defeating the prestigious UCLA Bruins on opening night and then their first AP ranked opponent (Notre Dame) at the Advocare Invitational, the Hawks have not slowed down shown in only two defeats transpiring since then (Dayton and Canisius). In fact, with their impressive victories, they have made quite the case to receive an at large bid on Selection Sunday! The Monmouth Hawks will be back in action Wednesday night in a trap game at Cornell.
Chink in the Armor
34%. 4-7 Rutgers shot 34% from the field in their last game versus George Washington. Sunday they shot 30.2%. Both were losses. Even with young talent in underclassmen Mike Williams, Caleb Sanders, and D.J. Foreman, who struggled greatly against Monmouth, the Scarlet Knights simply are not experienced enough to take appropriate shots and find teammates when they are open. Coach Jordan's group will look to win their second game in the last eight against Farleigh Dickinson Wednesday evening.