FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 24, 2001

HAWKS TOPPLE VANDERBILT, ADVANCE TO TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP

HONOLULU, HAWAI’I — In their first-ever contest vs. a member of the powerhouse Southeastern Conference, Monmouth University scored an 81-67 victory over Vanderbilt University in the first semifinal contest at the Hawai’i Pacific University Thanksgiving Classic at the Blaisdell Center.

While Monmouth is well-known for its solid defense, the Hawks offense came up big in the victory. The Hawks shot 50 percent (13-of-26) from the field in the first half in building a 32-29 halftime lead. Monmouth extended the lead to as many as 20 points in the second half as the Hawks shot 19-of-22 (86.4 percent) from the charity stripe down the stretch.

The Hawks’ offensive arsenal was spearheaded by 2001 Northeast Conference Player of the Year Rahsaan Johnson who logged 30 points and seven assists. Johnson shot 10-of-17 from the field and 7-of-7 from the foul line on the evening. Jason Krayl continued his steady play as he accounted for 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and four steals. Russ Anderson came in off the bench to contribute 14 points. Kevin Owens was the game’s leading rebounder with 11 caroms.

Vanderbilt had four players with double-digits in the scoring column, but managed just five points from its bench. Matt Freije and Sam Howard led the Commodore offense with 17 points apiece. David Przybyszewski logged 12 points and seven rebounds. Scott Hundley chipped in with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists.

The Hawks out rebounded the Commodore, 35-30 and committed just 11 fouls for the game compared to 23 for Vanderbilt.

With the victory, Monmouth moved to the championship game of the tournament where it will play either the University of Notre Dame or the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga at 10:30 p.m. ET.