Monmouth outgained La Salle in total yards, 509-63. On the ground, the Explorers netted minus 5 yards to the Hawks' 285.
After La Salle spotted the Hawks 10 early points, quarterback Mike Bramowski guided the Explorers on an 11-play, 78-yard drive capped by a 7-yard TD pass to Bill DeVouno. Trailing by only three late in the first quarter, the Explorers seemed poised to make the game a contest.
But from that point onward, Monmouth controlled all facets of the game, allowing the La Salle offense only one first down and scoring TDs on its next three drives, each culminating in a Chris Reed rushing touchdown.
``I thought we could move the ball on them, but we just went south after that,'' said Manlove, alluding to La Salle's inability to cross midfield.
Reed finished with 160 yards on 20 carries, a career day. He set a school record in rushing TDs with five and eclipsed a personal best in yards.
``Their offensive line blocked us effectively and [Reed] made great cuts,'' said Manlove. ``Plus, he's a pretty good back.''
The second half offered La Salle little cause for celebration. The highlight came when defensive end Drew Costello registered a sack and blocked a punt on successive plays. With the game's outcome decided, both teams played most of the half with reserves.
