Monmouth cruises to 31-15 win over Gardner-Webb

Published Nov. 22, 2014 4:26 p.m. ET

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WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (AP) Joe Johnson hauled in two interceptions Saturday, including a 55-yard pick-six in the third quarter, to help Monmouth (NJ) to a 31-15 victory over Gardner-Webb and avoid ending the season winless in Big South matchups.

Monmouth (6-5, 1-4) quickly built a 17-0 lead on touchdowns from Lavon Chaney and Jake Mauro, who scrambled 76 yards for a score with his only carry of the day. Lucas Santangelo kicked a 30-yard field goal.

Johnson's interception TD came late in the third quarter to make it 24-7, and Thaddeus Richards grabbed a 30-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Hill a few minutes later to put the game out of reach.

Gardner-Webb (4-8, 0-5) also was looking to avoid going winless in conference play but instead extended its skid to five.

Lucas Beatty led the Runnin' Bulldogs with 257 yards on 32-for-53 passing and a rushing TD. He was intercepted three times.