By Nick Bond
Spring has sprung, and following a split in two well-played games, a resounding home win against Longwood University and hard-fought loss at conference compatriot Towson, the Hofstra University men’s basketball team had its strongest performance of the season in win against then-4th-in-conference Delaware, 64-5
The game saw the Pride overcome a seven minute scoring drought and an 18-point offensive onslaught by Delaware guard Marc Egerson in the first half; impotency on the offensive and defensive end that lead to a 9-point hurdle going into the second half.
The Pride, however, would not be denied as they rallied to beat the Fighting Blue Hens, sealing the victory with a last minute steal by point guard Charles Jenkins.
Saturday’s game was not only the best game the team played all season, but was certainly one of the most exciting, with 5 ties and 5 lead changes, and the Pride playing stifling defense throughout the second half, holding Egerson to less than half of his production in the previous period.
The men finally took their team defense to another level in the last 2 and 1/2 minutes, not allowing a field goal in the last 2:15, culminating in the steal with 25 seconds left.
Freshman phenom Jenkins and senior guard Antoine Agudio again led the Pride offense, putting up 20 and 26 points, respectively, while junior center Dane Johnson anchored the defensive end, snagging 10 rebounds and rejecting 4 shots.
The balance between offense and defense, as well as the foundations of an inside presence for the Pride bodes well as the team enters the final 8 games of their season, including 7 conference games and 1 “Bracket Buster” game against Iona.
The win, which now puts Hofstra a game ahead of JMU and Saturday’s opponent Georgia State in the conference, has the underlying feeling of a watershed game for this young squad.
“We played with more of a purpose,” said Head Coach Tom Pecora who simply told his players when they were down at halftime, “We are going to simplify it. You are just going to get down and dirty. I’m not going to try to bail you out. Go out and grind it out and find a way to beat this team.
Freshman point guard Charles Jenkins is helped up by his teammates Antoine Agudio (left) and Nate Lester following a intentional foul. Jenkins was fouled whilst going up for a dunk after his game clinching steal. (Sean M. Gates)