STONY BROOK, N.Y. (Interstat) — A surging Stony Brook squad looks to continue its climb in the Colonial Athletic Association standings when it hosts a struggling Monmouth team on Thursday night at Island Federal Credit Union Arena. The Seawolves (14-9) have won five of their last six games, including a 72-68 road victory at Elon on Saturday. They are led by versatile forward Andrej Shoshkikj, who is coming off a 17-point, 8-rebound, 4-assist performance and has averaged 18.2 points over his last five contests. His play has been central to Stony Brook’s offensive efficiency during its recent run. Monmouth (11-12) aims to halt a two-game skid after a disappointing 73-57 home loss to Hofstra. The Hawks have been inconsistent in conference play, alternating wins and losses over their past eight games. They will rely on guard Andrew Ball, who has provided a scoring spark off the bench. Ball is averaging 11.6 points over his last seven games, including a 19-point effort in a narrow loss at Hampton on Jan. 22. The matchup pits Stony Brook’s momentum against a Monmouth team seeking stability. The Seawolves’ offense, which erupted for 112 points in a double-overtime win over College of Charleston last month, will test a Monmouth defense that has allowed 73 or more points in four of its last five losses. Conversely, the Hawks hope to replicate their road success from a Jan. 24 rout of Campbell, where they scored 88 points. Containing Shoshkikj and finding consistent scoring beyond Ball will be critical for the visitors. This game is the first of a regular-season series between the programs, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 26 in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST.