Preview: Lehigh at Monmouth in Women’s NCAA Basketball

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (Interstat) — The Monmouth Hawks, coming off a 21-win regular season, will host the Lehigh Mountain Hawks in a nonconference women’s basketball game on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Monmouth (21-11) enters with the stronger overall record, but is looking to rebound from a 45-51 loss at Stony Brook last Friday. In that game, Divine Dibula scored 13 points, dished three assists and blocked five shots. The junior forward has been a defensive anchor and scoring threat, posting 20 points in a win at Hampton and 22 points at William & Mary last month.

Lehigh (17-14) fell 70-77 at Holy Cross in its last outing on Sunday. The Mountain Hawks are led by standout guard Leia Edwards, who recorded a triple-double in that loss with 17 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Edwards is coming off a high-scoring stretch, including a 25-point performance in an overtime win at Navy on March 12.

The matchup features two of the region’s top mid-major programs and a clash of Hawks nicknames. Monmouth will rely on its interior defense, led by Dibula’s shot-blocking presence. Lehigh’s offense runs through Edwards and fellow guard Belle Bramer, who scored 24 points against Holy Cross.

This game marks the final tune-up for both teams before postseason tournament selections are announced.

Key Players to Watch:

- Lehigh: G Leia Edwards. The dynamic guard averages 18.3 points over her last three games and fills the stat sheet. - Monmouth: F Divine Dibula. A defensive force who can alter games with her rim protection and scoring bursts.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EDT at OceanFirst Bank Center.