The Seawolves were trailing by 11, 34-23, after a 10-0 Hawks run early in the second half, but battled back. A 9-0 run that included a pair of Al Rapier (Chicago, Ill.) layups that made it 34-32. Monmouth answered back with five straight points and then built up a nine-point lead, 43-34, with 8:18 remaining.
But Stony Brook (2-1) fought back to tie the game on a three-point play by Anthony Mayo (Philadelphia, Pa.) that came after the freshman forward grabbed an offensive rebound. With 4:05 left, the game was knotted at 44-44.
Down two, 46-44, at 1:41, senior Chris Martin (Springfield Gardens, N.Y.) knocked down a 19-foot jumper for the game's seventh tie. Monmouth answered as R.J. Rutledge missed a three, but got his own rebound and hit a layup and drew a foul. He made the free throw and put the Hawks up 49-46.
But Stony Brook stayed calm. Instead of going for tie, Bryan Dougher (Scotch Plains, N.J.) dribbled into the lane and hit a teardrop to cut it to 49-48 with one minute left. Monmouth turned the ball over, and Dougher threw up a three that missed, but Martin was in position for the offensive board and was fouled on the loose ball. He made both free throws to go up one, 50-49.
Monmouth (0-1) missed a three that Dougher rebounded and was fouled. He made 1-of-2 from the line, and Monmouth missed the final shot from the top of the key to end it.
Stony Brook overcame 34.5 percent (19-for-55) shooting and just 55 percent from the free throw line. Monmouth didn't fare any better, shooting just 30 percent (17-for-57) from the field.
Stony Brook will play its fourth game in seven days Thursday when it takes on Fairleigh Dickinson in Teaneck, N.J. at 7 p.m...(WUSB) The next Seawolves home game is Sunday, Nov. 21 against Wagner at 2 p.m. on MSG-Plus. For tickets, call (631) 632-WOLF or visit the Stony Brook Athletics Ticket Office online.
