LEWISTON, N.Y. -- Deon Jones and Andrew Nicholas each scored 14 points, leading a balanced Monmouth offense in an 85-74 victory over Niagara on Friday night.

Monmouth (8-8, 2/3 Metro Atlantic) took a 35-32 lead into halftime, and then opened the second half on a 10-2 run. The Hawks pulled away in the second half, shooting 60 percent from the field, and led by as many as 22.

Justin Robinson and Chris Brady added 13 apiece for Monmouth, as four of the Hawk's five starters reached double figures.

Antoine Mason led Niagara (4-12, 1-4) with 24 points, making 14 of 15 attempts from the free throw line. Marvin Jordan had 12 while Tahjere McCall contributed 11 and Rayvon Harris added 10.

Monmouth and Niagara were playing for the first time as conference opponents, with Niagara winning the only previous meeting between the teams in 2008.