WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (AP) Xander Rice led Monmouth with 31 points and sealed the victory with three free throws with two seconds left as the Hawks defeated Hofstra 81-78 on Saturday.

Rice added five assists and three steals for the Hawks (11-10, 4-4 Coastal Athletic Association). Jaret Valencia scored 15 points, going 3 of 6 from the floor, including 2 for 3 from 3-point range, and 7 for 8 from the line. Abdi Bashir Jr. was 4-of-7 shooting, including 2 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 1 for 3 from the line to finish with 11 points.

Tyler Thomas led the Pride (11-10, 4-4) in scoring, finishing with 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Darlinstone Dubar added 21 points and six rebounds for Hofstra. In addition, Kijan Robinson finished with nine points.

Hofstra built a 50-38 halftime lead but were outscored 43-28 after the break. Rice scored a team-high 14 points for Monmouth in the second half.

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