The Hofstra University men’s basketball team delivered a top-to-bottom masterclass on Saturday, Feb. 7, cruising to a statement 71-49 blowout victory over Towson University. The Pride capped off their annual homecoming game in front of a lively crowd of 3,525 fans at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.
In a season highlighted by two wins over Atlantic Coast Conference teams, Saturday’s dominant victory over the Tigers – the preseason No. 1 team in the conference – may stand as one of Hofstra’s most impressive showings of the season.
The Pride now sit at 7-5 in the Coastal Athletic Association, tied for third place.
“It is great to be healthy,” said Hofstra head coach Speedy Claxton. “[Preston Edmead] and [Biggie Patterson] were tremendous. [Patterson] came off the bench and gave us a real spark. Not just on the offensive end but on the defensive end. I thought all around great effort by the guys.”
Any hopes Towson had of pulling out a road victory were ripped away early and often, beginning on the defensive end. Hofstra was superb defensively, stunting any rhythm the Tigers tried to build. Towson endured a nightmare first half, shooting just 25% from the field and 2-for-8 from 3-point range. The Tigers went into halftime with a stunningly low 20 points.
Defense was only half the story for Hofstra, as the Pride soon began to score in bunches. Holding a slim 13-11 lead midway through the first half, Hofstra’s offense exploded, ripping off a 25-5 run to blow the game open and take a 38-16 advantage. Hofstra walked into halftime with a 28-point lead.
“The first 20 minutes of this game, I’ve never seen this team play better basketball on both sides of the basketball,” Claxton said.
The leader of the offensive charge was senior guard Patterson. The Richmond, Virginia, native came off the bench and took over the game, leading all scorers with 20 points on an impressive 60% shooting from the field. With just over eight minutes remaining in the first half, Patterson pulled up for a transition 3-point shot, drew contact and drilled the shot – sending him to the line and the Hofstra faithful into a frenzy.
“As soon as he checked in, he was just locked in and focused on both ends of the basketball,” Claxton said. “When he’s playing like that, he changes our team.”
Hofstra’s elite play carried into the second half. Although Towson’s shooting improved to 36% after the break, the Pride’s defensive management of the Tigers’ top players kept them from ever gaining traction. Towson’s second-leading scorer, Dylan Williamson, who averages 14.5 points per game, was completely shut down. Williamson went a stunning 0-8 from the field and finished with just three points.
Cruz Davis and Edmead continued to prove themselves as one of the most formidable duos in the conference with both players combining for 29 points and 14 assists.
Hofstra looks to continue their winning streak on Thursday, Feb. 12, on the road against the College of Charleston at TD Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
