MU B-Ball Report: 3/1/12

The Hawks, seeded sixth, travel to number three seed Robert Morris in the 2012 Northeast Conference Tournament Quarterfinals tonight.

In their 20 appearances in the NEC postseason, Monmouth has posted a 21-16 record, winning NEC Championships in 1996, 2001, 2004 and 2006.

Monmouth's victory at Mount St. Mary's last Saturday clinched an NEC Tournament berth for the Hawks in Coach Rice's first season at the helm of the program. Monmouth, which finished the regular season in a tie for fifth place in the league standings, went 7-5 at home.

At 10-8 in the NEC, Monmouth collected at least a .500 regular season record for the first time since its championship season in 2005-06.

Robert Morris swept MU this season, winning both games. It's always difficult, no matter the sport, to beat a team three times in a season. I think tonight's game will be competitive and it could come down to MU's long-range shooting against Velton Jones and McFadden inside for the Colonials.

Steve Bazaz and I have the call tonight at 6:45 p.m.

[www.GoMUHawks.com contributed to this report.]