The Hofstra Pride never looked back after a first-half scoring run helped lead to an 87-49 win over the Molloy College Lions at the David S. Mack Sports Complex on Wednesday, Nov. 24.
Despite Thanksgiving just a day away, fans were in the stands to cheer on the Pride in their home opener against the Lions. The night began with a round of applause and a standing ovation for first-year head coach, and Hofstra Pride alumnus, Speedy Claxton, in recognition of his first win as a head coach, which came against Duquesne University on Saturday, Nov. 13.
The first half started with both teams trading baskets until a K’Vonn Cramer layup ignited a 22-4 run for the Pride. As they went into the half, Jalen Ray led Hofstra with 15 points, while the Pride held a 40-22 lead over the Lions.
The second half opened with both teams exchanging baskets, but the Pride started rolling once again after a Cramer free-throw that started a 13-2 run for the Pride and gave them a 71-41 lead with 5:08 remaining.
As time was running down, Molloy had several field goals from Darren Fergus and Sey Dieng, but with 3:28 remaining, freshman Jaquan Carlos scored his first home basket as a member of the Pride off of a steal. After a defensive stop, Carlos took a pass from Caleb Burgess for a layup, stretching Hofstra’s lead to 32 points.
Omar Silverio and Zach Cooks scored the Pride’s remaining points of the evening as Hofstra defeated Molloy 87-49.
“We’ll take the win. I don’t think we played well though. I thought we took steps backwards,” Claxton said postgame. “We got to come to play. We can’t think that just because we’re at home we’re going to win. It doesn’t work like that. You got to come out, put your best foot forward.”
Ray led the Pride with 20 points, while Zach Cooks and Aaron Estrada both added 14 points. Darlinstone Dubar had a double-double for the Pride with 11 points and 12 rebounds in the game, while Cramer had a double-double as well with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Omar Silverio notched 12 points off the bench.
Molloy shot poorly from the field, going 23-76 from the field and 3-26 from behind the three-point arc. Their game percentage was 30.3%. Kendall Ogilvie led the way for the Lions with 13 points while Dieng followed up with 12.
The Pride will be looking to play University of Detroit Mercy this upcoming Saturday. Tip-Off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
