The Hofstra Pride men’s basketball team will compete in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) on Tuesday, March 14, against the No. 1 seed in their region, the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights.
Hofstra enters the NIT at 24-9 overall on the season. The Pride earned an automatic bid to the field due to winning the regular season title but failing to prevail in their conference tournament. This is Speedy Claxton’s first time coaching his squad in postseason competition.
As for Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights enter at 19-14 overall and 10-10 in conference play during a grueling Big Ten schedule. The Scarlet Knights have been subject to outrage due to their non-inclusion in the NCAA Tournament. Rutgers was the second team out of the Big Dance, and many fans and critics alike have expressed their displeasure in the selection committee’s decision.
Both teams represent a different approach on the court, with Rutgers relying mostly on their defensive prowess, while Hofstra is known to get the ball through the net with ease. The Scarlet Knights rank seventh in the country in scoring defense, allowing an impressive 60.4 points per game, whilst the Pride rank just outside the Top 100 in scoring offense at 74.7 points per game.
Hofstra’s leading scorer Aaron Estrada is looking to cap off a sensational Pride career in just his two seasons in Hempstead. Estrada, averaging 20 points per game, is coming off back-to-back games with at least 22 points, both coming from the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) tournament.
Estrada’s right-wing man, Tyler Thomas, is also looking to bring home an NIT championship in what may be his final season at Hofstra. Thomas, averaging 16 points per game, is hoping to bounce back after a not-so spectacular performance in the CAA semifinals against UNC-Wilmington.
For Rutgers, Caleb McConnell is looking to do the same. McConnell, one of the top defensive players in the country, has been a defensive force throughout his collegiate career, with this season being his best with nearly three steals per game.
The Scarlet Knights big man Clifford Omoruyi has also been explosive on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Omoruyi is having his most productive year, averaging 13 points per game and shooting a solid 50% from the field. On defense, Omoruyi is effective near the rim with two blocks per game.
Both teams still have a lot to play for, and a lot to prove in the NIT. The matchup, taking place at Jersey Mike’s Arena (“The RAC”) will tip-off at 7 p.m. and can be watched on ESPNU. The game can also be live streamed on the HAWC.
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Evan Bernstein
