By Angelo Brussich, Staff Writer
It was déjà vu all over again for the Hofstra men’s basketball team (6-11) as it lost to the Northeastern University Huskies (7-8) in the final seconds Wednesday night at the Mack Sports Complex, 64-62. The loss was Hofstra’s fourth and keeps the Pride winless in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play with a 0-5 record.
Hofstra has lost two of its last three games by a combined three points after a one point loss to Delaware last week.
“It’s certainly a challenging and frustrating loss for our club,” said Hofstra head coach Mo Cassara. “Right now it’s one bounce for us, it’s one play, that’s how fine our margin for error is. We’re doing some good things we just haven’t been able to finish them plays.”
Hofstra senior forward Nathaniel Lester had a team high 19 points while also adding four rebounds. Lester had a chance to tie the game after Lee’s bucket, but after some contact with a Northeastern player in front of the Hofstra bench, he stepped out of bounds. No foul was called and Northeastern got the ball back
“He definitely bumped me” said Lester, “I thought it was a foul, but it wasn’t a call so it wasn’t a foul. The ref said I stepped out [of bounds].”
Lester had another chance at a last second half court shot after Lee missed his first of a one and one free throw, but it fell well short at the buzzer.
“I’m just doing whatever it takes to help my team win,” said Lester on his big offensive night. “If it takes me to rebound that’s what I’ll do, if it takes me to score I’ll do that that.”
“It definitely helps my confidence,” said Nwaukoni. “We lost, but I’m going to keep my head it.” said Cassara.
Lester drove to the basket for a lay-up seconds later to tie the game, setting the stage for Lee’s last second heroics.
Hofstra is now one of two teams that remain winless in the CAA. The other is a Towson side that has an overall 0-16 record.
“We have to find a way to win a game and get some confidence back,” said Cassara.
Hofstra will have that chance Saturday against Old Dominion in Norfolk, Virginia as it looks for its first CAA win.