For the third straight game, the outcome was decided in the final minute as the Scots find themselves one game back of the league leaders in the Midwest Conference after dropping a 72-70 decision at Lake Forest Wednesday night.
After 13 lead changes the Foresters took the lead for good with 1:07 left in the game, handing Monmouth their first league loss. Knotted at 68-68, Lake Forest took the lead with a free throw and upped the margin to three at 71-68 on an inside bucket. D.J. Swift quickly answered, sinking a pair of free throws on his way to 14 points with four seconds left to keep the Scots within a possession at 71-70. Monmouth then sent the Foresters to the line where they hit a free throw with a second left and missed the next, giving Monmouth the ball as the rebound caromed out of bounds.
Following a Lake Forest timeout, the Scots’ long pass and ensuing shot missed the mark for the Scots’ first MWC loss this season and marking the third straight game decided by five points or less.
Justin Aluya led the Scots with 18 points and nine rebounds while Will Jones added 15 points, five rebounds and four assists. Swift finished with 14 points and four assists.
