Final Score
Monmouth (1-3, 0-0 CAA) – 73
Syracuse (4-0, 0-0 ACC) – 78
 
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Sophomore guard Justin Ray poured in a career-high 25 points as Monmouth mounted a late charge at Syracuse, but the Hawks' comeback bid fell short in a 78-73 defeat Tuesday evening at the JMA Wireless Dome.

Jack Collins and Cornelius Robinson III sparked the Hawks early, with Collins knocking down a pair of threes and Robinson III cleaning the offensive glass to help Monmouth build a four-point lead midway through the half.

After Syracuse briefly surged in front with a 9-0 run, the Hawks answered. Andrew Ball buried a late three, and Ray sank four straight free throws in the final two minutes to send Monmouth into halftime within striking distance, trailing just 36-33.

The Hawks came out firing to start the second half. Ray drilled consecutive threes—including one from well beyond the arc—to tie the game at 39 and swing momentum back to Monmouth. Jason Rivera-Torres later converted a second-chance layup to halt another Syracuse push, and Stefanos Spartalis added tough interior scoring to keep the Hawks within two possessions as the Orange tried to pull away.

Syracuse would briefly stretch its lead to 14, but Monmouth refused to fold. Spartalis powered through the lane for back-to-back baskets, and Ray kept the Hawks alive with timely mid-range jumpers and free throws. With under six minutes remaining, Ray cashed in on a transition three off a turnover, slicing the deficit to 67-60 and igniting the bench.

Collins then delivered two of the night's biggest plays: a fast-break finish off a steal to pull Monmouth within 73-67, and, moments later, a deep right-wing three off another defensive stop to bring the Hawks to within 74-72 with 36 seconds left.

Monmouth forced one more miss, but late free throws allowed Syracuse to maintain the lead. Rivera-Torres got the Hawks back within three at the line with 10 seconds left, but Monmouth couldn't get a final shot to fall as the Orange escaped with a 78-73 win.

Quotes
"I'm proud of our effort down the stretch. [Justin Ray] played great but all of our kids showed up. We're excited to get back home on Sunday for another tough test." – Head Coach King Rice
 
Notes

• Justin Ray poured in a career-high 25 points, including five 3-pointers, to lead the Hawks on Tuesday night. 
• Ray went a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line, marking the most makes without a miss by a Hawk this season.
• Jack Collins scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds, reaching double figures for the second straight game. 
  • The senior has collected at least five rebounds in every game this season and is averaging 6.0 boards per contest.
• Stefanos Spartalis added 18 points—his second straight double-digit outing. The freshman is averaging 14.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
• Jason Rivera-Torres finished with seven points and eight rebounds, marking his fourth consecutive game with at least seven boards. He is averaging 7.8 rebounds through four contests.
• Cornelius Robinson III pulled down eight rebounds, his highest total of the season, and added six points.
• Monmouth matched Syracuse, 11-11, in second-chance points.

Up Next
Monmouth returns home to face Robert Morris on Sunday, Nov. 23. Tipoff is slated for 3 p.m.