In a thrilling college basketball showdown, Monmouth University took down Lehigh University with a final score of 76-62. The game, held in West Long Branch, N.J., featured some standout moments from both squads.
Monmouth’s dynamic play ended up making all the difference. Justin Ray led the Hawks with a sharp 17 points, while Joshua Ingram topped the Mountain Hawks with 20.
This win bumps Monmouth’s record to 6-7. Lehigh, meanwhile, drops to 4-9.
For a closer look at the game, check out the original article on Fox Sports.
Key Performers of the Game
Monmouth had several players step up in big ways. Justin Ray was the clear standout, notching 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting and hitting 3-of-4 from deep.
His accuracy and poise were huge for the Hawks. Sometimes you just need a guy who can hit shots when it matters, and Ray was that guy.
Justin Ray’s Impact
Ray’s game was just fun to watch. He scored from everywhere—inside, outside, you name it—keeping Lehigh’s defense guessing all night.
That 7-for-11 from the field and 3-for-4 from three-point land says it all. His nine points in the first half helped Monmouth grab a lead they never really gave up.
Supporting Cast
Cornelius Robinson Jr. chipped in 15 points, going 6-of-11 and adding three steals. His defense was a nice bonus.
Jason Rivera-Torres added 11 points, hitting 4-of-12 from the field and 2-of-3 from three. His nine points after halftime helped Monmouth keep control.
Lehigh’s Struggle
Lehigh had their moments, too. Joshua Ingram led all scorers with 20 points, plus seven rebounds and four steals.
Nasir Whitlock put up 18 points and five assists, while Hank Alvey grabbed 10 boards and dished out four assists. Still, Monmouth’s balanced attack was just too much for them.
Joshua Ingram’s Leadership
Ingram was the engine for Lehigh, always looking to create and take tough shots. His 20 points led everyone, and he filled up the stat sheet elsewhere, too.
Even with his effort, Lehigh just couldn’t keep pace with Monmouth’s offense.
Supporting Efforts
Whitlock’s 18 points and five assists showed his playmaking chops. Alvey’s 10 rebounds and four assists highlighted his versatility.
But as a group, Lehigh couldn’t quite match Monmouth’s firepower, especially after halftime.
Game Analysis
Monmouth’s win came down to efficient shooting and some gritty defense. The Hawks shot 46.3% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.
Lehigh, on the other hand, shot 38.7% overall and just 33.3% from three. Monmouth also cashed in 18 points off turnovers, compared to Lehigh’s 10.
First Half Dominance
Monmouth grabbed control late in the first half, heading into the break up 37-28. Ray’s nine first-half points were key in building that cushion.
The Hawks’ defense forced turnovers and made life tough for Lehigh’s scorers.
Second Half Consistency
After halftime, Monmouth kept their foot on the gas, outscoring Lehigh by five. Rivera-Torres led the way with nine in the half, helping the Hawks keep their edge.
The team’s balanced scoring and defense really stood out as the game wore on.
Looking Ahead
Monmouth’s now 6-7 and hoping to ride this momentum into the next stretch. The Hawks will try to build on this win, and honestly, they might have found something here.
Lehigh drops to 4-9 and will need to regroup. It’s a rough patch, but that’s college hoops—sometimes you just have to shake it off and get ready for the next one.
Lehigh’s Challenges
Lehigh’s got some things to figure out after this loss. Shooting efficiency just isn’t where it needs to be.
Turnovers are piling up, and that’s not helping their cause. The Mountain Hawks really have to get a grip on those basics.
Supporting key players like Ingram and Whitlock is another thing on their to-do list. If they want more balanced scoring, that’s non-negotiable.
For more detailed coverage of the game, including individual player stats and play-by-play analysis, check out the original article on Fox Sports.
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