WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to build momentum before conference play begins will meet Sunday when the Lehigh Mountain Hawks visit the Monmouth Hawks at the Multipurpose Activity Center. Lehigh (4-8) enters off an 83-74 home win over Penn St.-Hazleton on Thursday, while Monmouth (5-7) seeks to snap a three-game skid following a 75-85 loss to Quinnipiac on Wednesday. Both programs have faced challenging non-conference slates, with the game serving as a final tune-up before their respective league schedules commence next week. The matchup features a compelling duel at guard between two of the region’s top scorers. Lehigh will lean heavily on junior Nasir Whitlock, who is in the midst of a torrid scoring stretch. He has topped 20 points in five consecutive games, including a 33-point performance in his last outing and a 31-point game in a road win at Texas State. His ability to create offense will be critical for a Mountain Hawks team that has struggled at times to find consistent scoring beyond him. Monmouth will counter with senior floor general Jack Collins, whose game is defined by all-around versatility. While his scoring has fluctuated, Collins has been a steady distributor and rebounder from the backcourt. He dished out 10 assists in a loss at Fairfield and averages nearly five assists per game. His leadership will be key in stabilizing a Monmouth offense that has averaged just 69 points during its three-game losing streak. Both teams have shown resilience in close games. Lehigh has played in three overtime contests this season, going 1-2, while Monmouth secured an overtime win over Robert Morris in November. Defensive execution late in possessions could prove decisive. For Lehigh, a road victory would provide a significant confidence boost heading into Patriot League action on New Year’s Eve. For Monmouth, protecting its home court is paramount to halt its recent slide before opening Coastal Athletic Association play. Tipoff is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.