WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (Jan. 20, 2023) … Hampton University men's basketball team fell on the road to Monmouth 85-77. Both sides kept each other in check throughout the contest. The largest lead of the game heading into the final minutes was only seven points. With the Hawks rebounding and hitting their free throws down the stretch, Monmouth was able to pull away late.
 
Hampton started the game by scoring the contest's first five points. Monmouth was able to answer by being active on the glass. In the first half alone the Hawks were able to produce eight offensive rebounds. With neither side producing extended runs, Hampton and Monmouth could not take control of the game.
 
For most of the first half, Coach Edward Joyner Jr.'s squad held Xander Rice in check. Rice only had seven points heading into the under-eight media timeout. Hampton trailed by seven late in the first half but found a way to make it a one-possession game. With Trey Thomas and Ja'von Benson hitting shots, HU made it 36-35. A free throw by Monmouth's Jaret Caencia gave the Hawks a two-point advantage heading into the half.
 
Coming out of the half,  both teams were on fire making their first four shots. Throughout the final 20 minutes, the Pirates were able to keep it within striking distance. Kyrese Mullen continued to produce for Hampton in the second half. Mullen finished the contest with 17 points and 14 rebounds picking up his 10th double-double of the season.
 
While Monmouth led by six with 13:49 to go, the Pirates kept calm and didn't panic. A 14-4 run sparked by a Joshua Lusane three shifted the momentum back in their favor. Jordan Nesbitt was crucial for Hampton during this stretch. While Nesbitt had a team-high 18 points, he also finished the game with six assists. Throughout the half, HU continued to make shots. In the second half alone the Pirates shot 50 percent from three.
 
Coach Joyner Jr.'s squad took their largest lead of the night 72-66 at the 4:06 mark. With the Hawks scoring nine of the game's final ten points, Monmouth was able to pull away in the final minute.
 
The Pirates will be back in action Thursday, inside the Convocation Center, at 7:00 PM against Charleston.