Final Stats

Justin Robinson scored a game-high 23 points, including his benchmark 1,000th, to lead Monmouth past Siena 85-69 in front of 3,911 fans in West Long Branch Monday night. Javion Ogunyemi had 14 points and 10 rebounds for Siena.

The Hawks started both halves with 15-4 runs, and scored 26 points off Siena's 21 turnovers.

"My message to the team was ‘be tough with the ball, and we'll be OK'", Siena coach Jimmy Patsos said. "We ended up with 21 turnovers. We can't do that."

Deon Jones had 16 of his 21 points in the second half for Monmouth (14-4, 6-1), which won its fifth straight and took over sole possession of first place in the MAAC.

It was a near sellout in the Multipurpose Athletic Center, a far cry from the sparse crowds Siena (11-7, 4-3) played in front of here the past two seasons.

"That's a great atmosphere, and this is a tough place to play," Patsos said. "I think we showed a lot of heart coming back."

Siena battled back from the 15-4 deficit and took a 26-23 lead after a 7-0 run sparked by Nico Clareth. The Hawks scored 10 of the last 15 points in the first half to take a 41-36 lead to the lockerroom.

Clareth led the Saints with 15 points, and added six rebounds two assists and three steals. Brett Bisping rounded out the Saints in double figures with 14 points and eight rebounds, but made just 4-15 shots.

"We're a very good team when we play together," Patsos said. "I thought we did some one-on-one stuff that didn't work today."

Monmouth led 56-40 after Micah Seaborn's three capped off the 15-4 run to start the final 20 minutes. Siena got within eight after two Lavon Long free throws with 10:07 left, but Monmouth scored 11 of the next 13 to put the game away.

Robinson made 11-19 field goals, most coming after elusive drives to the hoop with acrobatic finishes. He added four assists and three steals.

"We have to stay together, we have to stay positive," Patsos said. "Monmouth out-toughed us today, but we're learning from it. We better get ready for Rider on Thursday."