WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Towson responded to an important loss to Colgate last week with a 20-0 win over Monmouth yesterday before 1,845 at Kessler Field.

It was the Tigers' first shutout since a 12-0 victory over Monmouth in 2000.

Even though it was a nonconference game, Towson coach Gordy Combs said the Tigers had plenty of motivation, including avenging last year's 24-17 homecoming loss to Monmouth, their only loss to the Hawks in eight tries.

Also, Towson wanted to get the ball to Jamal White as many times as possible so he could move closer to the all-time Patriot League record for receptions - something the Tigers failed to do against Colgate. The senior receiver had eight receptions for 115 yards yesterday, including a 19-yard touchdown in the second quarter. The former All-American now needs 12 receptions in the next two games to become the conference leader.

For the first half of the season, Towson relied on its high-powered offense, but it has been the defense that has stood out of late.

Towson limited the Hawks to eight first downs and 55 yards rushing. Monmouth quarterback Bill Rankin, meanwhile, completed just 15 of 38 passes for 155 yards, with 11 of those completions for 91 yards coming late in the fourth quarter when the game was out of reach.

The Tigers' offense compiled 343 yards, but it was two short drives after Monmouth mistakes that made the difference.

First, Towson linebacker Neal Regan forced a Joe Migliore fumble to give Towson possession at the Monmouth 26-yard line with 10 minutes to go in the first quarter.

Junior tailback Matt Romeo, who had two scores in the game, capped the three-minute drive with a 1-yard run.

Then, late in the second quarter, Monmouth tried a fake punt that failed, giving the Tigers the ball at the Hawks' 38-yard line and setting up a 12-yard Jay Amer to Romeo touchdown pass to put Towson up by 13.

The Tigers also scored midway through the third quarter when Amer hit White from 19 yards out to give Towson the 20-point final margin.

Amer, who threw for 248 yards and two touchdowns, said he was disappointed with the final score.

"I don't think we played that well," he said. "The score should have been a lot worse."

While the win over Monmouth (1-7) doesn't necessarily take away the sting from last week's 9-7 league loss to Colgate, Combs said it's still important.

"It's always big to get a shutout," he said. "This gives us our sixth win of the season, which guarantees us a winning season. Right now we can go into the bye week sitting at 6-3."

With a week off, the Tigers will have a chance to rest and get healthy before a critical conference game at Fordham Nov. 16.

NOTES: Romeo left the game at the end of the first half with a thumb injury. Combs said his status would be known today. ... Elsewhere in the Patriot League, Lehigh overcame a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Fordham, 26-23, in overtime, and Colgate defeated Lafayette, 31-24. ... Lehigh, Fordham and Colgate are 3-1 in the conference, while Towson is 3-2.

Towson 7 6 7 0 - 20

Monmouth 0 0 0 0 - 0

Next for Towson

Opponent:Fordham

Site:Jack Coffey Field, Bronx, N.Y.

When:Nov. 16, 12:30 p.m.

Record:6-2

Yesterday:Lost to Lehigh, 26-23, in OT