Heartbreak

Senior guard Jalen Ray recorded a career-high 30 points but he missed the two that mattered most as the Drexel University Dragons defeated the Hofstra men’s basketball team 73-71 Saturday at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.

Junior guard Camren Wynter secured a statement win in his return home. The Hempstead native and Drexel star tallied 16 points on 5-8 shooting just minutes away from his alma mater, Holy Trinity High School.

His three-pointer as the shot-clock expired with 1:42 remaining was the dagger. The Pride had an opportunity to tie the game, but Ray’s floater missed as time expired.

The Pride opted not to call a time-out after senior forward Tim Perry Jr. missed a free throw that would have put Drexel up three with 6.9 seconds left in the game.

“If he had made the foul shot, we would have run a play,” said Hofstra acting head coach Mike Farrelly. “But in that situation, with a loose ball and the best player on the floor with the ball in his hands in an unsettled situation, I am going to let [Ray] go every time.”

Ray left it all on the court. He notched eight three-pointers on 13 attempts, tying Brian Bernardi’s program record. However, after a questionable foul in the first half, he received a technical, leading to some time on the bench.

“I am a leader,” Ray said. “That was a bad example. I cannot afford to let that happen to my team.” 

The Pride fell behind 41-27 at halftime after missing 16 consecutive shots and allowing a 24-7 run by the Dragons.

“We need to play hard and with a lot of effort,” Ray said. “To change the momentum of a game, we need to notice that early.”

Farrelly slammed the floor, roared in excitement and bear-hugged his players as the Pride embarked on a monumental 44-32 second-half comeback. In the end, they came up just short.

“[I] did not help enough,” Farrelly said. “I just tried to do what I could to get the energy level up a little bit. I hoped it would be more natural at this point.”

Tareq Coburn struggled to start the game, but his intensity helped the Pride mount a run. Three minutes into the second half, Coburn grabbed a series of rebounds, prompting Farrelly to summon Coburn for a warm embrace. Seconds later, he made a three-pointer.

“I was really proud of Coburn,” Farrelly said. “I thought he was terrible in the first half. I love the kid to death, but I did not think he was playing hard. I did not think he was playing with a purpose.” 

“But the way he responded in the second half got us off to a great start. That is why I gave him a hug. I got into [it] a little bit and he responded. If that is what I need to be, that is what I will be. Hopefully, the energy can come from within a little more.”

Drexel became the first team since 2010 to shoot over 60% from inside the arc, make 60% of their threes, hit 80% of their free throws, record at least 20 assists and score 73 or fewer points.

The Dragons defeated the Pride on the road for the first time since 2014. They also snapped an eight-game losing streak to Hofstra. 

The two teams will duel again tomorrow afternoon in Hempstead for a Super Bowl rematch. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics