WEST POINT, NEW YORK---It doesn't get any better than this! 

In an elite mid-major matchup to end both's non-conference schedules, the Monmouth Hawks made the trip north from New Jersey to New York for their 12th road game and a battle with the Army Black Knights. Unfortunately for them, it didn't go as planned for 27 points from Army's Tanner Plomb and 21 by Kyle Wilson was just too much for Justin Robinson, who netted 23 on the afternoon, in a 91-84 defeat.

Fast-paced in addition to back and forth from the get-go, neither team had more than a one-possession lead until the Hawks' Diago Quinn converted an "and one" opportunity to produce a 17-13 lead. Nevertheless the small edge, Army's Tanner Plomb quickly answered with a triple to draw his squad within one while re-inducing the trading of baskets until his fellow "star senior" Kyle Wilson went on a personal 5-0 run to supply the Black Knights with their largest advantage of the game up to that point (42-35).

Even though Monmouth would respond with a 5-0 spurt of their own, a dumb foul from Pierre Sarr on Army's Kennedy Edwards resulted in three attempts and makes from the charity stripe (45-40) with 55 seconds remaining in the 1st half. 

To conclude the first twenty minutes, Plomb would net 3 more of his first-half high 14 points, which took a 50-44 lead into the locker room for his team.

Despite Army continuing to have their way with Monmouth coming out of the intermission, Justin Robinson eventually turned into the bad man he is with an 8-0 individual soar that knotted the score at 54 (17:25 remaining in regulation). Just over a minute later, Robinson's teammate and "fab freshman" Micah Seaborn finally stole the lead back for his team with a pair of made free throws (58-56).

Unfortunately if you are a Hawks' fan, the Seaborn points would be the only score for over three minutes. What were the Black Knights doing during that time? Marching to victory! 

Taking advantage of Monmouth's scoreless stretch, Army went on a 10-0 march that re-upped their lead to eight (66-58). 

Now was when the frustration started to mount for King Rice's Hawks. Why? 

Every time Monmouth would score a momentum swaying basket, such as a Collin Stewart triple with 12:32 left (to cut the deficit to six) or a Robinson capitalized "and one," the Black Knights would get a layup from Kevin Ferguson or a made jumper by Plomb to neutralize the effect. In other words, Robinson and the "Bird Gang" just couldn't make up any ground on their opponent! And when they did, it was too late.

Down 11 with 3:49 on the clock, the Hawks tried one last attempt to comeback. Starting with four swished free throws, two from each Micah Seaborn and Je'lon Hornbeak, and ending with back-to-back made layups, Monmouth flew within 3 of their opponent with 71 seconds remaining. 

Comeback coming? Not if Tanner Plomb could help it! 

With all the pressure on the Black Knights and their scoreless span running close to three minutes, Plomb tickled the twine for two with a jumper. 89-84 Army! 

With Robinson pushing the ball up-court, the "jazzy junior" quickly attempted a layup, which would have brought the margin back to one possession. Off the mark! Army's Larry Toomey came down with the rebound and quickly found the hands of Plomb, who was fouled by Robinson. Swish! Swish! 91-84 Black Knights! On the ensuing possession, Robinson fired a desperation three. Clank! The game was in hand and Army had their first marquee victory of the season.

"Star Seniors" Shining Bright

With all attention on Justin Robinson and the Monmouth Hawks' bench leading up to tip-off, no respect was given to the Army Black Knights. Well now they have it! In large part to a combined 58 from Tanner Plomb and Kyle Wilson (they entered averaging just over 39 points per game), which was the same amount the whole starting five of Monmouth scored, Army was able to stay ahead for the majority of the game before tacking on clutch free throws at the charity stripe to seal the game. The 9-3 Black Knights hope to utilize the momentum from this afternoon's victory in their conference opener versus VAVEL USA's Patriot League preseason favorite Lehigh. Game time is at 7 PM EST from the Stabler Arena in Lehigh, Pennsylvania.

Another Mulligan

Following a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend in "City Beautiful," aka Orlando, Florida, the Monmouth Hawks looked as though they were worthy of an at-large bid. Then, an upset happened in Buffalo, New York, versus Canisius in their MAAC opener. One mulligan used. Following the defeat, Justin Robinson's squad bounced back very well, for they defeated Georgetown and Rutgers on the road as their third and fourth victory in a five-game winning streak. Then, tonight transpired: A loss to a good mid-major in Army, but a "must win" if an at large bid is what the Hawks want in their back pocket. With no mulligans left for King Rice's group to use, 9-4 Monmouth will attempt to avenge their only conference loss a week from today as they host Canisius.

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Peyton Wesner
Editor, that has loved and watched sports. He enjoys traveling the country to watch division one college basketball and professional baseball, basketball, and football. In addition, Peyton is a huge enthusiast of Missouri Valley Conference basketball and International League (Triple-A) baseball as he focuses about these topics and many more on his sports blog Courtside with PW at http://courtsidewpw.blogspot.com/?m=1. You can contact him through his email, [email protected], or his twitter, @courtsidewpw.