The Scots traveled to St. Norbert in the final regular-season game of the year as they attempted to clinch a playoff spot. Signs were not looking good from the outset as the Scots struggled to get going and trailed by 16 points midway through the first half. Monmouth then enjoyed a 10-0 run to peg the Green Knights back with some fine outside shooting from DJ Swift and good work inside from Nate Schroeder and Trevor Davis. The Green Knights were primarily in control for most of the half however and led by 9 points at halftime, despite another score from three-point expert Tray Swearingen to round out the half.
Monmouth closed the gap to five points midway through the second half thanks to consecutive baskets from Alec Hayes and DJ Swift. The Green Knights again flexed their muscles and were able to keep the Scots at bay for the rest of the match, with the final score 62-71. DJ Swift was the Scots’ standout performer with 20 points and useful cameos coming from Tray Swearingen (10), Nate Schroeder (7), and Jonathon Oradiegwu (6). The loss Monmouth’s bid for another playoff berth, as Cornell’s win over Beloit knocked the Scots out of postseason contention.
Senior Dee Hyler lamented on the season which produced a roller coaster ride for the men’s team, winning their first six games of the season and also going on a seven-game winning streak mid-season as well. Hyler noted, “It didn’t go the way we planned. [This season] was a good experience meeting new people, coaches, and players.” Hyler also achieved the 1,000-point mark in his college career which was a memorable moment in what turned out to be a disappointing end to the season for the Scots.
Kieren Marshall - Contributing Writer