MAAC NCAAB pick from Eckel: Quinnipiac vs Monmouth — will the Hawks take advantage of the struggling Bobcats and move into a tie for first?

Quinnipiac at Monmouth (-6.5), 2 p.m.

It’s been an up and down season for coach King Hill and Monmouth (15-11, 9-6) in the tightly bunched Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Today looks to be one of the ups.

Quinnipiac (12-13, 7-8), after a strong start to the season, has fallen apart. The Bobcats lost five straight before a two-point home win over last-place Canisius Friday night ended the slide. Look for another losing streak to start Sunday afternoon.

Monmouth is 8-1 at home this season, while the Bobcats are 3-8 on the road.

Quinnipiac beat Monmouth, 84-70, at home early in the season when everything was going right for the Bobcats.

The Hawks will avenge that loss Sunday and could move into a tie for first in the loss column depending on other results in the MAAC.

Junior guards Deion Hammond and George Papas lead the way as the home team cruises to an easy win.

The Pick: Monmouth - 6.5