By Kyle Kandetzki – Sports Editor
It takes a huge effort to defeat the James Madison Dukes this season, so an offensive meltdown in the first half was the deciding factor in a loss for the Pride, even with an inspired comeback effort.

The Hofstra Pride women’s basketball team fell to the CAA-leading James Madison Dukes 77-68 on Friday night. Hofstra battled back from a 26-point deficit to come as close as within four points, but a cold shooting first half where they only scored 20 points was too much to overcome.

“We had a choice after getting tested in the first half,” said head coach Krista Kilburn-Steveskey. “And I was very proud of how they competed in the second half.”

Things were promising for a possible Pride upset early, despite Ashunae Durant being absent from the game due to injury. Hofstra seemed to have the ability to go shot-for-shot with James Madison, with a tied 7-7 score four minutes into the game.

Hofstra battled to close the gap after the Dukes continued to capitalize on free throws. The Pride drew several offensive fouls early, and came within two after an Asia Jackson three-pointer seven minutes into the half.

The Pride’s fight completely disappeared following the Jackson score though, and in catastrophic fashion. Hofstra only scored two points, both on free throws, and failed to convert a single field goal, over a period of 9:35.

James Madison used their conference-leading offensive attack to score 22 over Hofstra’s cold streak, and went into the break leading 44-20, with an overall 52% mark from the field.

James Madison’s run was a total team effort, as no player went into halftime in double figures, but four players had six or more points (Precious Hall, Angela Mickens, Toia Giggetts, Hailee Barron).

“[At halftime] I look at the stat sheet and say ‘you’re 8-for-39’”, said Kilburn-Steveskey. “[We] slow down a little bit, we settle down, because we’re missing some point blank things.”

But the Pride came out swinging in the second half, not allowing JMU to get out of the game without a fight. Kelly Loftus rebounded from a 1-for-9 first period to drain six threes in a 12-minute period, while Darius Faulk added a consistent second half to make the comeback a possibility.

Loftus set the tone early with three quick free throws, while Faulk followed her with a three-point play. Kelly’s reign from beyond the arc began four minutes into the period, and it was Faulk again with two scores to supplement her before the next Loftus three-pointer, making the score 55-41 with 12:36 remaining.

The comeback was not quite a reality yet, though, but Loftus continued to establish her pinpoint outside shooting by making the next four Pride field goals, all on deep shots.

James Madison’s offense stalled heavily at certain points in the second half, shooting 32% overall, and minus a 5-for-12 half from Precious Hall, the Dukes were 5-for-19.

Heading into the final five minutes of the half, Hofstra was officially on the verge of completing a 26-point comeback.

The Dukes successfully coaxed Hofstra into early fouls to put them into the double bonus, but the Pride tried them at their own game late. On three straight possessions, Loftus drew fouls and knocked down both of her free throws, the last of which got her to an unprecedented 30 points. Loftus’ six straight points, and a nearly three minute JMU scoring drought, put Hofstra back within four points, 72-68 with under two minutes remaining.

“It’s all on them,” said Kilburn-Steveskey. “When this team puts their mind to it, they can do some great things.”

As the fans in the Mack rose to their feet, they would slowly have to recede in excitement after two straight empty trips for the Pride, and a Lauren Okafor rebound off a missed free throw that turned into a score for JMU, making it 75-68.

Hofstra would continue foul in the final 40 seconds, but the offense could not score, and the comeback bid was ultimately foiled, 77-68.

Despite Hofstra’s big second half run, the offense still only shot 31% from the field. The percentage was dragged down primarily from a rough night for Elo Edeferioka, who shot 2-for-14, though adding 15 rebounds.

Loftus’ 30 point night was a career-high for her, while Faulk’s 15 points matches her career-high that she set earlier this season vs. Western Kentucky.

“We’re going to use this as momentum,” said Loftus. “We played with a lot of heart, and that’s what matters. We take this and get them back.”

Hofstra dropped to 6-5 in conference play, while James Madison remained undefeated in the CAA at 10-0.

The Pride’s next game has them staying at home at the Mack Sports Complex to face off against the College of William & Mary Tribe.