By Jerome Bailey, Staff Writer
Senior guard Charles Jenkins led the way with 24 points, four assists and five steals as the Hofstra men’s basketball team handled Molloy 76-62 in an exhibition game on Sunday afternoon.
“It felt good to finally play against another team, since we had been beating up against each other in practices. However, we are still a work in progress, but it was good to get the win,” said Hofstra men’s basketball head coach Mo Cassara.
In front of the home crowd for the first time this season, sporting new uniforms, the Pride raced out to an 18-11 lead early at the Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. Molloy would cut into the lead and the Pride led just 39-35 at half time. This was due in part to nine turnovers by the Pride.
“In the first half we did not value the ball, and turned it over to many times. At the half I got on them about that,” said Cassara.
In the second half, Jenkins and the Pride began to pull away. Leading 50-46, Jenkins was driving down the lane and found sophomore guard Yves Jules in the corner for a three pointer to give the Pride a 53-46 lead. On the ensuing Molloy possession Jenkins stole the ball and raced down the court between two defenders for the layup and was fouled, extending the Pride’s lead to 56-46.
Hofstra extended its lead to as many as 17 in the half. The Pride got solid offensive production from junior guard Mike Moore and sophomore forward David Imes. Moore finished with 14 points and four rebounds. Imes had twelve points and four rebounds.
“It felt good to be back on the court, after sitting out last season,” said Moore who redshirted last season after transferring from Fordham.
Another bright spot for the Pride was the play of junior guard Dwan McMillian, who had nine points and eight assists compared to just one turnover. McMillian, a junior college transfer, had two key steals in the second half and converted on both fast-break opportunities.
“Dwan creates a lot of contact in the lane, and I was telling him if he gets in the paint he is going to be successful,” Jenkins said of his backcourt mate.
Hofstra shot 7 for 27 from three-point range and 9 for 12 from the free throw line.
Senior guard Brad Kelleher, who will not play in the first eight games of the season due to suspension, contributed eight points off the bench.
Molloy was led by freshman John Petrucelli, who had 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Molloy finished the game with 13 turnovers and shot just 4 for 13 from the free throw line.
The Pride will now prepare for its season opener on Saturday Nov. 13 against Farmingdale State College at 4 p.m.
Senior forward Greg Washington (32) attempts to block a Molloy player’s shot. (Sean M. Gates/ The Chronicle)
