Monmouth (NJ) escapes MVSU, 81-79

Nov 29, 2013, 09:52 pm

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. -- Deon Jones' layup as time expired propelled Monmouth (N.J.) past Mississippi Valley State 81-79 on Friday night.

Monmouth led 79-77 with 14.3 seconds remaining, but missed two free throws that would have essentially sealed it. MVSU's James Currington made a layup with 6.1 seconds left to tie the game at 79 and that set up Jones for his last-second shot.

Jones finished with 24 points, making 11 of 12 from the free throw line for Monmouth (2-4). Andrew Nicholas scored a career-high 31 points, highlighted by five 3-pointers for the Hawks. Monmouth made 8 of its 14 3-point attempts and shot 50 percent from the field.

MVSU (1-6) was led by Anthony McDonald with 26 points. DeAngelo Priar added 11 and Currington scored 10 and had seven rebounds. The Delta Devils made 11 3-pointers but also turned it over 11 times.

MVSU led 39-31 at the half.