Long Island U. 74, Monmouth, N.J. 69

Kyle Johnson scored 14 points and Long Island University defeated Monmouth (N.J.) 74-69 on Saturday.

The lead changed hands 11 times before Long Island went on an 8-0 run, capped by two free throws by Julian Boyd with 8:13 to play, to take the lead for good at 57-50.

The Blackbirds (16-5, 8-2 Northeast Conference) shot 39.7 percent (25 of 63) from the field, relying on defense and good free throw shooting to put the game away. The Blackbirds blocked a season-high nine shots and converted 18 Monmouth turnovers into 19 points. They made 19 of 25 free-throw attempts (76 percent).

C.J. Garner and Kenny Onyechi each added 11 points and Boyd had 10 for the Blackbirds, who have won two straight and 10 of their past 11.

Marcus Ware scored a career-high 20 points for Monmouth (6-16, 2-8), which has lost two straight. R.J. Rutledge added 14 points and Mike Myers Keitt 13.