Saturday January 4, 2025
Monmouth’s Abdi Bashir Jr. lets it fly from beyond the arc during his dominant 31-point performance against Stony Brook. CREDIT: Emily Webb / Monmouth Athletics
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. (HOL)— Monmouth’s Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) opener saw yet another dazzling performance from Abdi Bashir Jr., who poured in 31 points to lead the Hawks to a resounding 78-56 victory over the Stony Brook Seawolves on Thursday night. The win marks a turning point for Monmouth (3-11, 1-0 CAA), as they move into conference play with renewed confidence.
Bashir, a sophomore guard, was nearly unstoppable, shooting 12-of-18 from the field and a scorching 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. Known for his relentless work ethic, Bashir has earned a reputation as a gym rat. Assistant coach Clive Bentick, who assumed head coaching, shared an anecdote about Bashir’s dedication: “When he came on his visit, he had me in the gym until 2:00 in the morning. That’s the type of kid he is—always working.”
The Hawks’ supporting cast also contributed to the victory. Jack Collins tallied nine points and grabbed seven rebounds, while Cornelius Robinson Jr. and Dok Muordar added eight points apiece. Monmouth’s defence, often a point of concern, held Stony Brook (4-10, 0-1 CAA) to 37.9% shooting, a testament to their resilience and preparation.
Joseph Octave’s 15 points led the Seawolves, with Nick Woodard adding 12 points, but Stony Brook struggled to find consistent scoring against Monmouth’s high-energy defence.
Bashir Takes Over in the Second Half
Bashir’s second-half performance was particularly electric. After a first half where he scored 11 points but committed five turnovers, Bashir adjusted and dominated the final 20 minutes. He scored 20 points in the second half, showcasing his ability to take over games. “Once I get in that mode, it’s like there’s nothing you can do—no defence, no nothing,” Bashir said. “I knew I had to clean up my turnovers and play confidently, and the results showed.”
The Hawks entered halftime with a 37-25 lead, fueled by Bashir’s scoring and strong team defence. They outscored the Seawolves by 10 points in the second half, leaving no doubt about their dominance. Bentick praised his team’s mentality, emphasizing the belief they’ve maintained through early-season struggles. “Even though we lost some close ones we should’ve won, we’ve stayed together. That belief is what’s going to carry us through the rest of the season,” Bentick said.
A Fresh Start in Conference Play
For Monmouth, the transition to CAA competition offers a clean slate. “We can’t change the past,” Bashir acknowledged. “But now, we’re playing teams on our level. We believe in ourselves and our coaching staff. It’s a new ball game.”
The Hawks’ next challenge will be a Saturday afternoon showdown against the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens in Newark. Delaware (7-7, 0-1 CAA) boasts a strong home-court advantage with a 4-2 record at Bob Carpenter Center, averaging 77.9 points per game. Led by sharpshooter John Camden, who is hitting 46.8% of his shots and averaging 16.8 points per game, the Blue Hens present a formidable test for the Hawks.
The matchup will hinge on Monmouth’s ability to neutralize Delaware’s offensive weapons while capitalizing on their own. Bashir’s three-point shooting has been a revelation, with the guard averaging 4.1 made triples per game at a 45.2% clip. Coach Bentick is optimistic about his team’s chances, citing their recent defensive improvements and newfound confidence. “We’ve seen what we’re capable of when we stick to the game plan. It’s about executing and keeping that same energy,” Bentick said.
The game will also mark Monmouth’s 11th all-time meeting with Delaware. Monmouth leads the series 6-4, with six wins in the last eight matchups. However, the Hawks haven’t secured a victory in Newark since 1994, a streak they hope to break on Saturday.
Key players like Dok Muordar and Jaret Valencia must step up alongside Bashir to challenge Delaware’s balanced attack. Valencia, coming off a season-high four blocks against Stony Brook, will be pivotal in protecting the rim, while Muordar looks to build on his career-best eight-point performance.
While Delaware has an edge in scoring, Monmouth’s scrappy defence and Bashir’s ability to heat up could tip the scales. The Hawks must also focus on reducing turnovers—an area that has plagued them in previous matchups.
With Monmouth aiming to open CAA play 2-0 for the second consecutive season, the stakes are high. A win would also mark King Rice’s 211th career victory and the team’s first back-to-back wins of the season.
“It’s about proving we belong,” Bashir said. “We’ve got the talent, and now it’s time to show it on the court.”