The Hofstra University men’s basketball team will continue Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play against the University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens at the David. S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex on Saturday, Jan. 6. The Pride swept the season series with the Blue Hens last term with an 87-73 win in Newark, followed by an 86-62 victory in Hempstead.
The Pride’s opponents come in following a comprehensive 80-53 victory in their opening conference matchup against the Hampton University Pirates. The Blue Hens now sit at 9-5 and marked an impressive 4-1 record on the road in non-conference games. Led by forward Jyáre Davis, the senior averages 19.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, powering the Blue Hens offense on a nightly basis.
The Blue Hens offense has four double-digit scorers, including Davis. Gerald Drumgoole Jr. averages 11.9 points per game, Jalun Trent scores 11.6 points per game and Cavan Reilly averages 10.7 points per game.
As a team, Delaware ranks second in the CAA in assists behind Hofstra, with 15.1 to the Pride’s 15.9. However, while the Pride is led particularly by guard Jaquan Carlos and his 6.6 assists per game, the Blue Hens are more well-rounded, as they have no player averaging more than 3.7 assists.
Delaware sits around the middle of the pack as a defensive side in the CAA in both steals and blocks per game. The Hens allow 71.4 points per game, at 188th in the country, and are coming off their best defensive outing of the young season as they forced 13 Hampton turnovers.
For Hofstra, the Pride will look to get back into the win column and record their first conference win of 2024. Hofstra comes in off a loss to reigning CAA tournament champions and NCAA tournament representatives in the College of Charleston Cougars. Tyler Thomas led the way for the Pride, notching 21 points. Darlinstone Dubar added 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Carlos had five assists.
Tip-off for this CAA heavyweight matchup is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6, at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.
Photo courtesy of Matteo Bracco
