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Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Monmouth
Robins Leads Princeton Past Monmouth
December 08, 2001 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 8, 2001
Box Score
Ray Robins, who had struggled through his first six games back after a year away, scored 20 points to lead Princeton to a 76-70 win over Monmouth in front of 4,040 at Jadwin Gym.
Rahsaan Johnson of Monmouth scored 40 points, breaking the Jadwin Gym record of 39 set by Geoff Petrie on Jan. 26, 1970 against Fordham.
"I hadn't been playing well in practice or in games," Robins said. "It felt good to be able to help the team."
Robins was 4 for 6 from the field and 11 for 12 from the foul line. He came into the game having scored 19 total points in the first six games of the season after sitting out last year.
"Ray's been in a funk," said Princeton coach John Thompson. "He's too good to stay that way. I knew it was just a matter of time with him. He gave us a good lift." Princeton shot 27 for 32 from the foul line, of which 23 for 27 was in the second half. The Tigers led by as many as 17 at 49-32 after a Robins dunk and an Ahmed El-Nokali fastbreak layup off a steal by Andre Logan, which forced Monmouth coach Dave Calloway to call a timeout 4:37 into the second half.
Monmouth, though, would not go away, largely because of Johnson, a 5' 10" senior who was the Northeast Conference Player of the Year a year ago. Johnson came into the game averaging 15.3 points per game and shooting 37% from the field, but he erupted on a 14 for 19 night from the field. He also added 9 for 10 foul shooting to become the first 40-point man in Jadwin history.
"I would rather score eight points and have the team win," Johnson said. "I'd go home a lot happier."
Will Venable had the best night of his brief career with 12 points, three assists and two steals in 22 minutes. El-Nokali added 12 points and five rebounds, while Mike Bechtold was also in double figures with 10 points.
Dominick Martin made his first collegiate start and scored seven points and had three rebounds. Konrad Wysocki came off the bench and played 23 minutes, finishing with two points and four rebounds.
Jason Krayl had 16 for Monmouth, no other Hawk had more than five.
Princeton shot 21 for 41 from the field.
The Tigers next game is Wednesday night at home against No. 5 Kansas in an 8:03 tip-off.