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WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. — Monmouth women's basketball battled until the final buzzer on Friday night, but a late Drexel free throw sealed a narrow 56–53 setback at OceanFirst Bank Center.

The Hawks jumped out to a 20–15 lead after the first quarter behind strong inside play and balanced scoring. Divine Dibula set the tone early in the paint, scoring six early points in the first quarter.  

Drexel responded in the second quarter, holding Monmouth to four points and taking a 31–24 advantage into halftime after going on a 9-0 run. 

Monmouth matched Drexel point-for-point in the third quarter, cutting into the deficit as Gamble found her rhythm offensively and Dibula continued to attack inside. The Hawks entered the fourth quarter trailing 48–41. 

The final period featured multiple lead changes and a back and forth affair.  Gamble scored six points in the fourth, including a pair of free throws that briefly gave Monmouth a one-point lead with under two minutes remaining. Dibula added key buckets and rebounds down the stretch as the Hawks pushed for a late comeback.

With the game tied late, Drexel converted from the free-throw line in the final seconds. Monmouth had a last look at the buzzer, but the potential game-tying three fell short.

Gamble led the Hawks with 16 points, while Dibula finished with 14 points and four rebounds. Farrelly contributed on both ends, pulling down nine rebounds to go with five points.

Notes and Numbers

• Gigi Gamble posted 16 points for her fourth straight game in double figures
• Divine Dibula tallied 14 points and has reached double figures 15 times this season
• Ella Farelly corralled a team-high nine rebounds
• The Hawks shot 23-of-55 (41.8%) from the field and 3-of-17 (17.6%) from distance
• Drexel shot 21-of-51 (41.2%) from the field and 7-of-18 (38.9%) from long range
• The Hawks held a 32-16 edge in the paint
• Monmouth is now 13-6 overall and 6-2 in CAA play

Up Next
Monmouth will travel to Long Island, N.Y. to take on Stony Brook on Sunday at 1 p.m. Sunday's game will be broadcast on FloCollege.