NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara Purple Eagles were defeated by the Monmouth Hawks, 56-42, to conclude their three-game homestand on Sunday.

NU (3-6, 1-1 MAAC) was attempting to start 2-0 in the MAAC for the first time since the 2009-10 season after the Purple Eagles topped Quinnipiac in their conference opener on Friday. However, Monmouth's staunch defense held the Purple Eagles' to season-low42 points on its way to its fifth straight win in the series.

The Hawks (5-3, 1-1 MAAC) raced out to an 8-0 lead and went into halftime leading 27-15. The Purple Eagles kept grinding away in the second half and trailed 48-38 after a 3-pointer by Chris Barton with 3:41 remaining. Though, timely baskets by Monmouth and empty possessions by Niagara kept the Purple Eagles at bay.

"I thought our guys showed a ton of grit and determination and played extremely hard against a very good team and very well coached team," head coach Chris Casey said. "I thought defensively we were good and rebounding the ball we were good, but we have to be better offensively (and) we had too many turnovers. Against a good team like that when you get some open shots you have to make them (and) that's how you keep pace and give yourself a chance to win."

Emile Blackman scored a game-high 14 points, with 13 coming in the second half. Matt Scott scored eight points and grabbed seven rebounds. Dominic Robb shared game-high honors in rebounds with a career-best seven to go along with six points. The Purple Eagles forced a season-high 19 turnovers, including a season-high 10 steals.The Purple Eagles forced a season-high 19 turnovers, including a season-high 10 steals. Monmouth was led by Micah Seborn's 13 points and 4 rebounds, while getting support from Deon Jones' 11 points and six boards.

Niagara will head to Queens, New York to play against St. Johns on Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. The game will air live on Fox Sports 1 and on the Niagara Sports Network via AM 1400 WWWS andPurpleEagles.com/Watch.

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