WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. -- Andrew Nicholas scored 19 points and Monmouth edged Fairfield 63-60 on Thursday night, in what was the first-ever meeting for the two teams in conference play.

Josh James helped out Monmouth, scoring 15 points with 6 assists.

Deon Jones hit a 3 for Monmouth (10-10, 4-5 Metro Atlantic) at the start of the second period putting the Hawks up 32-31, setting the tone for a hard fought second period,

Fairfield (4-16, 1-8) built a 54-46 lead midway through the second half before Monmouth scored 8 points tying the score at 54, while the Stags went scoreless for 5 minutes.

Both teams missed the back end of some key free throw opportunities in the final minutes and a missed jumper by the Stags' Maurice Barrow with seconds remaining allowed Monmouth to hang on for the win.

Fairfield was paced by Barrow's 20 points.