MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa.—Russell Johnson scored 20 points, Lucky Jones hit six 3-pointers to finish with 19 and Robert Morris led wire-to-wire in a 77-65 win over Monmouth (N.J.) on Thursday night to take sole possession of first place in the Northeast Conference.

Jones was 6 of 7 from the field, all from long range. The Colonials (19-9, 11-4), who have won five of their last six, have beaten the Hawks nine straight times, including 70-55 on Jan. 12.

Monmouth, which trailed by 10, got to 53-52 on a three-point play by Tyrone O'Garro with 10:14 remaining, but could not take the lead.

After Robert Morris built a six-point cushion, the Hawks closed to 62-60 with 5:28 left. The Colonials then finished the game with a 15-5 run.

Karvel Anderson added 14 points for Robert Morris. Johnson, with seven rebounds, now has 704 career caroms.

Jesse Steele's 16 points led Monmouth (10-18, 5-10).