WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (Interstat) — A surging Monmouth squad looks to continue its push toward the postseason when it hosts a North Carolina A&T team coming off a historic triple-overtime win in a women’s basketball matchup Friday. The Hawks (19-8) have won five of their last six games and sit firmly in the upper tier of the conference standings. They will host the Aggies (10-15) at the Multipurpose Activity Center. Monmouth, led by guard GiGi Gamble, presents a formidable challenge. Gamble is averaging 17.1 points over her last seven contests, including a 21-point, 7-rebound performance in a win at Hampton on Feb. 22. Her consistent scoring has been central to the Hawks’ success. North Carolina A&T arrives with momentum after a thrilling 89-86 triple-overtime victory over Northeastern last Friday. Guard Paris Locke was spectacular in that win, logging 51 minutes and posting 22 points and a career-high 13 assists. Over her last seven games, Locke is averaging 13.6 points and 5.0 assists, serving as the engine for the Aggies’ offense. The teams met earlier this season, with Monmouth securing a 61-55 road win on Jan. 4. The Hawks will aim for the regular-season sweep behind a defense that has held opponents to 58.6 points per game during its recent 5-1 stretch. For North Carolina A&T, replicating its resilient triple-overtime effort will be key against a disciplined Monmouth side. The Aggies have shown flashes, with three wins in their last seven outings, but have struggled with consistency. Friday’s contest is a critical late-season test for both teams as the conference tournament approaches. Monmouth seeks to solidify its standing, while North Carolina A&T aims to build on its most dramatic win of the season and play spoiler on the road.