WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.- The Monmouth University men's basketball team opens its 2006-07 Northeast Conference schedule on Thursday night, when the Hawks tangle with Long Island University at 7 p.m. The Blue and White, picked first in the NEC preseason poll, face the Blackbirds, who return all five starters from last season and were picked third in the preseason.

MONMOUTH MEN'S BASKETBALL GAME NOTES vs. LONG ISLAND

MONMOUTH (3-6) vs. LONG ISLAND (3-4)
Date: December 7, 2006
Tipoff: 7 p.m.
Site: Boylan Gymnasium (West Long Branch, N.J.)
Hawks Coverage: WMCX [88.9 FM]; www.wmcx.com

SETTING THE SCENE
Monmouth enters the game with a 3-6 record after its 83-49 loss at Seton Hall on Monday night, as the Hawks connected on just 37.5% from the field. The Hawks, who are allowing 70.8 points so far this year, face an LIU squad that is averaging 65.7 points per game. The Hawks will also have to take care of business on the boards, as MU is corralling 30.1 rebounds per game, while the Blackbirds are grabbing 42.0 an outing.

THE COACHING MATCHUP
Monmouth head coach DAVE CALLOWAY is in his 10th season at the helm of the Hawks' men's basketball program, and has recorded a 133-128 overall record. He has also registered a 97-65 mark in Northeast Conference action. A four-year starter for the Hawks in his day, Calloway has guided the Blue and White to six consecutive winning seasons and three Northeast Conference titles.

Long Island is led by fifth-year head coach JIM FERRY, the 2005 NEC Coach of the Year. Ferry coached four seasons at Adelphi prior to LIU. With the Blackbirds, Ferry has posted a 150-92 career coaching record, earning his 150th win versus New Hampshire on Saturday.

INSIDE THE MONMOUTH-LONG ISLAND SERIES
Monday marks the 54th meeting between the two institutions on the hardwood. MU holds a 29-24 lead in the all-time series that dates back to the 1957-1958 season. The Hawks and Blackbirds split the two meetings last year, as LIU won in Brooklyn during the lone regular season meeting. The Hawks topped the No. 6 seeded Blackbirds in the NEC Quarterfinals, en route the the NEC Championship.

PLAYER TO WATCH
Reserve sophomore guard ALEX NUNNER dropped in a career-best 11 points on three three-pointers in the game at Seton Hall on Monday night. Nunner, who connected on 3-for-6 against the Pirates, was 1 for his first 12 attempts on the season.

MEDIA INFORMATION
Monmouth fans can listen to all the action on WMCX, 88.9 FM and over the internet at www.wmcx.com (.)


pictured: sophomore Alex Nunner