2025-26 Monmouth Basketball Gameday Preview: Game One
Teams: Monmouth Hawks (0-0) vs. Caldwell Cougars (0-0)
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: OceanFirst Bank Center, West Long Branch, N.J.
Watch: SNY/FloCollege (Play-by-Play: Eddy Occhipinti, Analyst: Steve Bazaz)
Quick Facts:
- This season marks Monmouth’s 70th in program history and 43rd in Division I.
- The team brings back nine letterwinners from last season.
- Jack Collins earned a spot on the Preseason All-CAA Second Team.
- Monmouth aims for its seventh opening night win under Coach King Rice.
- It’s Monmouth’s fourth season in the CAA.
- Seven new players are on the roster, including three transfers and four true freshmen.
- In preparation, Monmouth outperformed Rhode Island College (103-67) and Manhattan (81-62) in exhibitions.
A Win Would:
- Get Monmouth off to a winning start this season.
- Improve Coach Rice’s career record to 221-228.
- Boost Monmouth’s record to 4-0 against the CACC.
- Make the Hawks 15-29 all-time on opening nights.
- Pave the way for a 7-8 record under Rice on opening nights.
- Add another win to their last five home openers, making it 3-2.
- Be the first victory in a Monmouth uniform for seven players.
- Make the Hawks 2-0 in all-time meetings against Caldwell.
Series History:
- This is just the second meeting between Monmouth and Caldwell.
- Monmouth holds a perfect 3-0 record against current CACC teams.
- The last matchup was in 1987.
- Last season, Monmouth had a 1-2 record against New Jersey teams and will face three in-state rivals this year.
What’s Next:
The Hawks will face La Salle on Saturday, November 8, at 3:30 p.m. for their first away game of the season.
As the season kicks off, the energy around the Monmouth basketball program is palpable. Fans are excited to see how the new players integrate into the team and whether they can carry the momentum from successful exhibitions. According to recent surveys, over 70% of fans are optimistic about the team’s potential this season. The blend of returning experience and fresh talent might be just what the Hawks need. Keep an eye on Jack Collins as he leads the charge, aiming for a standout season.
For ongoing updates and insights, check trusted sources like [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/) or [NCAA.com](https://www.ncaa.com/) for expert analysis and the latest stats.
