By Max Sass, Assistant Sports Editor
The Hofstra Pride men’s basketball team rode the momentum of Wednesday’s destruction of UNC-Wilmington to a victory over Delaware Saturday afternoon at the Mack Sports Complex.
The Pride came out on the right side of a 77-67 decision that was significantly closer than the score indicated. Hofstra led by as many as 13 points early in the second half, but could not pull away entirely. Delaware chipped away and kept the game within two possessions at all times starting from the 11:17 mark in the second half until they were forced to intentionally foul Hofstra with just 15 seconds remaining. “They took the fight to us,” said Hofstra head coach Tom Pecora.
The Blue Hens were able to turn a nine point Hofstra lead with 12 minutes to go into just a single point lead for the Pride with 5:47 to go thanks to a 16–8 run. “The longer you let teams hang around,” said Pecora, “you know they are going to come up with a run at some point.”
The traditionally defensive minded Pride were able to score enough baskets down the stretch to hold the lead from start to finish in the game, despite allowing Delaware to get within just a point at two different occasions. Freshman guard Chaz Williams recorded 18 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in a well rounded effort to help the Pride to their fourth Colonial Athletic Association victory and second in as many games.
“His (Williams’) learning curve has been sped up because we haven’t had Brad (ineligible guard Brad Kelleher),” said Pecora. Williams continued taking care of the ball, only turning the ball over three times in 38 minutes, keeping close to his average of 2.57 turnovers per game (54 in 21 games prior to Saturday). Williams’ six assists were above his average of 3.86 per game.
Leading all scorers was junior guard Charles Jenkins, who filled up the stat sheet with 27 points in 33 minutes, including 21 in the second half. Jenkins started the game draining two straight three pointers to give Hofstra a 6–0 lead, but picked up two quick fouls just 2:06 into the game and was forced to the bench. “It was very frustrating,” said Jenkins. “I went from hot to cold real quick.”
Jenkins recorded his 1500th career point in the victory. “Honestly, I didn’t even know that,” Jenkins said, “Most important was getting the win.”
Freshman forward Halil Kanacevic contributed 16 points and 6 rebounds. Kanacevic picked up much of the frontcourt slack, as junior forward Greg Washington and senior forward Miklos Szabo only combined for 7 points.
Senior guard Cornelius Vines did not contribute offensively, shooting 0 for 6 from the field, including 0 for 5 from three-point range. Pecora praised Vines for his defense though, especially on Delaware guard Alphonso Dawson. Dawson, the Blue Hens’ second leading scorer shot only 3 for 11 from the field in the game. “I thought we did a very,very good job on him defensively,” said Pecora.
“It was a great crowd, 4000 people, I thought it was awesome,” said Pecora. “That is what we need, we need a home court advantage. I think it helps us get over the top.” The crowd of 4019 made its presence known down the stretch, making more noise than one member of press row had ever heard at the Mack before. Coincidentally, or maybe not, Delaware shot just 63 percent from the free throw line.
“We went on a five game losing streak and Coach [Pecora] was frowning because he doesn’t like when we lose,” said Jenkins. “Most importantly, we put a smile on his face.”
The team was able to celebrate after notching their fourth conference win and moving up in the standings as James Madison lost, but Pecora also knew a dose of reality was necessary. “This is what tournament games are going to be like down in Virginia at the end of the year,” said Pecora. “No blowouts.”
The Pride moves to 11-12 overall and 4-7 in CAA play. They play a pivotal game on Wednesday at James Madison that could have major implications on postseason tournament seeding.
Chaz Williams launches a jump shot in the second half of Saturday’s 77-67 victory over Delaware. (Sean M. Gates/ The Chronicle)
