The Hofstra University men’s basketball team saw its eight-game win streak come to an end on Thursday, Jan. 15, falling to Stony Brook University 76-71, as a late comeback attempt came up short. The loss dropped the Pride to 4-1 in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play, while the Seawolves improved to 2-4, behind Seawolves forward Richard Goods, who turned in his best performance of the season to take down Hofstra.
“It was a tough [loss],” said Hofstra head coach Speedy Claxton. “I thought we lost this game in the first half. We had a tough start, we struggled offensively and they made shots. Credit to them, [Goods] was four for seven from 3, [which] was unexpected, but you tip your hats to them.”
Stony Brook’s offense was in rhythm all night, shooting an efficient 47% from the field while knocking down 12 shots from deep. The Seawolves had three players in double figures, with two reaching the 20-point mark.
All eyes were on junior Goods, who delivered his best performance in a Stony Brook jersey this season. Goods was a true Swiss Army knife, finishing with 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two blocks in just 29 minutes of action. The Pride’s defense wasn’t prepared for such an outburst from the forward, who entered the game averaging just seven points per game.
Defense wasn’t the only issue for Hofstra, as the Pride’s offense was uncharacteristically sluggish. Hofstra shot just 39% from the field and a well below average 3-11 from beyond the arc in the first half.
“I think it was a combination of [offense and defense],” Claxton said. “I thought we were a step slow all night for some reason. We just got to put this game behind us and bounce back on Saturday.”
Hofstra mounted a late rally, trimming what was once a 12-point deficit to just three with 10 seconds remaining following free throws from German Plotnikov. But the Pride ran out of time, unable to complete the furious comeback.
Despite the offensive struggles, there were a few bright spots for the Pride in the loss, most notably five-time CAA Rookie of the Week Preston Edmead. The freshman delivered another strong performance, scoring 22 points and pulling down eight rebounds.
The best player for Hofstra all season long, Cruz Davis, was able to achieve a big career milestone. With his 16-point performance, Davis was able to surpass 1,000 career points.
The loss marked Hofstra’s fourth consecutive defeat to Stony Brook, the longest losing streak in the 53-year rivalry between the two Long Island programs.
Hofstra looked to find themselves back in the win column at home on Saturday, Jan. 17, against Elon University at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. Tip-off was set for 12 p.m.
