West Long Branch, NJ (SportsNetwork.com) - Deon Jones netted 14 points and pulled down six rebounds as the Monmouth Hawks defeated the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, 73-50, in a non-conference clash as part of the CBE Hall of Fame Classic at the MAC.

Andrew Nicholas, Zac Tillman and Josh James all contributed eight points for Monmouth (1-1). The Hawks will take on Central Connecticut State on Saturday in a continuation of the tournament.

Clemmye Owens came off the bench to score a game-high 22 points for Bethune- Cookman (1-2). Quentin Brewer notched 12 points before fouling out of the contest. B-CU will battle with Towson on Saturday.

Monmouth came out hot, shooting 50 percent from the floor in the first half which led to a 32-19 advantage at halftime. Bethune-Cookman shot 41.2 percent in the period, and made 5-of-7 from 3-point distance.

The Hawks upped their game in the second half, netting 59.1 percent of their field goal attempts, and went 15-of-22 from the free-throw line. The Wildcats shot 44.4 percent in the frame.

Monmouth had a decisive edge in points in the paint, 42-16, and won the battle at the charity stripe, 19-4.