Canisius defeats Monmouth 96-86 behind Williams' 22 points

Dec 4, 2015, 10:18 pm

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Malcolm McMillan had 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists and Canisius held off a Monmouth rally with a 96-86 win in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener for both teams on Friday night.

Trailing 68-52 with 13:06 to play, Micah Seaborn's steal and layup sparked an 8-0 run to bring the Hawks to within 68-60. Both teams proceeded to trade baskets, and a pair of Justin Robinson free throws shaved Canisius' lead to 80-74 with 4:58 to play.

However, Monmouth shot 2 for 11 from the field the rest of the way. Meanwhile, Canisius shot 11 for 14 from the free-throw line in the last 4:47 of the game to seal it.

Canisius (3-3) had six players in double figures. Phil Valenti had 14, Chris Atkinson, 12, Kevin Bleeker and Kassius Robinson each added 11 and Jamal Reynolds and Jermaine Crumpton both had 10.

Monmouth (4-3) was led by Justin Robinson's 23 points.