Le Moyne College’s men’s basketball team made a real statement at The Lafayette Classic, grinding out an 83–79 win over Monmouth University. This wasn’t just any early-season game—it felt like a glimpse into a program learning how to finish close contests and showcase new faces, all while building something fans from Syracuse to the Jersey Shore—and even here in Jersey City—should keep an eye on as the season rolls along.
Le Moyne’s Breakthrough at The Lafayette Classic
The Dolphins came to The Lafayette Classic eager to cement their new Division I identity. They left with a win that checked all the right boxes: poise, balance, and resilience.
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They matched Monmouth’s energy and answered every push with a calm that’s rare for a program still adjusting to the D-I stage. For such a young roster, this was a big test—a chance to see if Le Moyne could finish what it started after moving up in competition.
The team’s 4–4 record suddenly feels a lot more meaningful. This marks its first back-to-back Division I non-conference victories since making the jump.
Sanders’ Career Night Leads the Way
Sophomore guard Jakai Sanders turned this one into his own highlight reel, pouring in a career-high 23 points with seven assists. That stat line? Only half the story, honestly.
Sanders set the tempo and created offense for his teammates. Most importantly, he stepped up at the free-throw line in the final seconds, knocking down clutch shots that sealed the win.
Those late free throws might look routine on paper, but they were massive in the moment. That’s the difference between a decent showing and a signature win.
Frontcourt Power: Jackson and Friends
Behind every hot-shooting guard, there’s usually a frontcourt grinding it out, and Le Moyne had exactly that. The Dolphins established a physical presence inside that Monmouth just couldn’t figure out, especially as the game wore on.
Jackson’s Double-Double Dominance
Graduate forward Shilo Jackson held down the paint with his second straight double-double—21 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks. He protected the rim and acted as an offensive anchor, punishing mismatches and cleaning up on the boards.
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Jackson’s presence forced Monmouth to account for him on every possession. That opened up space on the perimeter and gave Le Moyne a steady option whenever the offense needed to reset.
That kind of two-way impact—scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking—can really change a team’s season.
Key Contributions from Mosquera, Blakley, and Garang
This win wasn’t just about the stars. Redshirt junior Trent Mosquera and sophomore Jakob Blakley each chipped in 11 points, giving timely offense that kept Monmouth from focusing solely on Sanders and Jackson.
Then there was redshirt sophomore Deng Garang, who came alive in the second half with 10 crucial points and a career-high eight rebounds. His energy on the boards and willingness to attack gave Le Moyne a spark when fatigue could’ve been a real problem.
Mosquera’s late three-pointer with 2:23 left put Le Moyne ahead for good. That shot felt like the moment the Dolphins finally grabbed control for the last time.
Monmouth Fights Back but Falls Short
Monmouth didn’t let this one go easily. After falling behind early, the Hawks rattled off a 10–0 run to take their first lead, and by halftime they were up 37–36.
Every time Le Moyne looked ready to pull away, Monmouth answered with grit and timely plays. Jason Rivera-Torres put up his own double-double—21 points and 11 rebounds—leading the Hawks with physical drives and relentless work on the glass.
Stefanos Spartalis added 11 points and 10 rebounds, giving Monmouth a strong inside presence. Still, Le Moyne’s late-game execution made the difference.
The Dolphins knocked down timely threes, especially from Mosquera, and played disciplined defense down the stretch. That’s what sealed it.
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score
This win does more than just even Le Moyne’s record at 4–4. It shows a program getting more comfortable at the Division I level.
The Lafayette Classic offered a preview of what this season might bring: a confident backcourt, a tough front line, and a team that’s starting to believe it truly belongs here.
From the Court to Jersey City: Basketball and Urban Energy
If you’re a fan in Hudson County, a game like this just hits different. There’s this college basketball pulse that runs up and down the East Coast. It’s the same vibe lighting up winter nights in our own city districts.
Local hoops culture really comes alive in high school gyms, rec leagues, and even those rowdy watch parties in neighborhood bars. There’s just something special about it.
Monmouth’s spot at The Lafayette Classic ties right into the travel patterns that cross our backyard. Fans chasing the Hawks—or any visiting team, really—often turn these games into quick getaways.
That’s where Jersey City steps in as a legit home base. With more and more modern and historic Jersey City hotels popping up, it’s honestly pretty easy to turn a road game into a full-on urban weekend.
If you’re planning a sports-heavy escape, a game like this makes a perfect centerpiece. The rest of your time? There’s a whole lineup of things to do in Jersey City—waterfront walks, skyline views, art galleries, dining, nightlife. Take your pick.
First time here and not sure where to stay in Jersey City? Staying near PATH stations or the light rail makes it a breeze to catch games across New Jersey and New York. Then you can come back to a walkable, buzzing city after the final buzzer.
Even getting to Jersey City feels like part of the fun. There’s quick train access from Manhattan, easy connections from Newark Liberty International Airport, and straightforward drives from college towns all over the Northeast corridor. Makes it a no-brainer hub for fans on the move.
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Here is the source article for this story: MEN’S BASKETBALL WINS SECOND STRAIGHT, 83-79, OVER MONMOUTH – Le Moyne College Athletics
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