Bashir fires 29 points, leads Monmouth to 79-76 win

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. — Monmouth secured a narrow 79-76 victory over Elon in a thrilling game on Thursday night, with a standout performance from Abdi Bashir Jr. He came off the bench to score 29 points, including an impressive eight 3-pointers, significantly contributing to the Hawks’ success.

Bashir showcased his shooting prowess by going 9-for-18 from the field, including 8-of-16 from beyond the arc, and making 3-of-4 free throws. His efforts were crucial in Monmouth’s (12-18, 10-7 Coastal Athletic Association) victory. Teammate Cornelius Robinson Jr. also delivered a solid performance, contributing 21 points and gathering eight rebounds. Jaret Valencia supported the team by shooting 3-of-4 from the field and hitting 9-of-12 from the free-throw line, totaling 17 points for the game.

On the other side, TK Simpkins led Elon’s (17-13, 8-9) efforts with 22 points and five assists. Sam Sherry added 20 points, while Brayden Crump chipped in with 13 points, creating a valiant effort from the Phoenix.

In a closely contested game, Bashir’s 17 points in the second half were instrumental in Monmouth pulling away with a hard-fought three-point victory.