WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (Interstat) — A surging Monmouth squad hosts a streaky Drexel team in a key Coastal Athletic Association women’s basketball matchup Friday night at the Multipurpose Activity Center. The Hawks (13-5) have won seven of their last eight games, largely powered by the explosive scoring of guard GiGi Gamble. She is averaging 24.4 points over her last five contests, including a 30-point performance in a 72-31 rout of Campbell on Jan. 18 and 24 points in Wednesday’s 65-56 win over Northeastern. The visiting Dragons (11-7) have been inconsistent in conference play but are coming off one of their best performances of the season, a 68-45 victory over Towson on Saturday. Drexel has alternated wins and losses over its last six games. Gamble will be the primary focus for a Drexel defense that has held opponents to 41 and 45 points in its last two wins. The Dragons counter with guard Molly Rullo, who is coming off a 16-point, 3-assist effort against Towson. Rullo has been a steady facilitator, but Drexel will need her scoring punch against Monmouth’s defense, which has not allowed more than 56 points in its last three victories. The Hawks won the first meeting this season, 56-53 at Towson on Jan. 16, behind 22 points from Gamble. This rematch begins a critical home stretch for Monmouth, which plays four of its next five games on the road. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The teams will meet again in eight days at Drexel on Feb. 8.