The Hofstra Pride men’s basketball team fell on the road to No. 15 University of Houston Cougars in overtime by a score of 83-75 on Tuesday, Nov. 9. It was a battle of runs, as the Cougars eventually took control in the end to avoid the upset.

The Pride led throughout regulation, holding a six-point halftime lead on the road. Zach Cooks, who played all 45 minutes of the game, shined in his first outing in a Hofstra uniform, scoring a game-high 26 points and shooting 9-18 from the floor.

“That kid is terrific, he is everything that we thought he was going to be and more, he’s going to have a great year for us,” said Hofstra head coach Speedy Claxton.

The Pride also got double-digit point performances by Aaron Estrada, who tallied 15 points in his Hofstra debut, as well as 13 points from Omar Silverio coming off the bench. Abayomi Iyiola also had a near double-double in his Hofstra debut, grabbing 11 rebounds to go along with his six points from the field.

The Pride was 13 points ahead in the second half with a score of 62-49, their largest lead of the game with 8:30 left to go. The 15th-ranked Cougars, a final four team from last season, eventually rallied back, led by guard Marcus Sasser. Sasser would finish with 25 points in the game, including a three-pointer that gave the Cougars their first lead since the 3-2 mark of the game.

In overtime, the Cougars outscored the Pride 14-6, and ultimately hung on for the tight victory on opening night.

This was coach Claxton’s first game at the helm of his alma mater, and the Pride faithful look to be encouraged by the team’s effort against Houston. “This is a game we should’ve won but we’re gonna remain positive, our kids played their hearts out and we’re gonna have a good season,” Claxton said.

The Pride will look to even up its record as they hit the road again on Saturday, Nov. 13, to take on the Dukes of Duquesne University.

Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics