By Jake Nussbaum (Assistant Sports Editor)

The Hofstra Women’s basketball team did all it could Saturday afternoon to pull out a home win against Harvard in overtime, but their effort ultimately fell short.
The game seemed to be over after a dreadful shooting first half for Hofstra. At the end of the first half Hofstra was shooting a 35 percent from the field and only 10 percent from the three-point line. The Pride stormed back though as they dominated the second half and went on a 6-0 run to end the game and force overtime.
“We are getting better and better each game, but it would be nice to have a win so they [the players] can believe that,” said Hofstra head coach Krista Kilburn-Steveskey. “Harvard came in here to fight really hard tonight, and we are going to get better, but it shows how important every possession is.”
Junior forward Anma Onyeuku played exceptionally well for the Pride, pulling down a team leading 13 rebounds and scoring 13 points on 5 of 13 shooting for the Pride. Her rebounding prowess wasn’t enough though as Hofstra was ultimately outrebounded by Harvard at the end of the game.
“Well after the last couple games I know that when I get into the game I just need to move around,” said Onyeuku. “If I can get on the court and grab a rebound to help out our transition or just add to the hustle, that is my focus in the game.”
Senior forward Shante Evans also played a strong game for the Pride scoring 24 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Evans also hit some clutch free throws down the stretch for Hofstra to force overtime. Despite her strong play Evans was still upset with her free throw percentage and the loss in general.
“Making free throws is all mental,” said Evans. “It’s all focus when you get up there. Me missing this many free throws is not acceptable. At that point, though, I just focused on the rim and my elbow form.”
Overall, Hofstra coach Kilburn-Steveskey was not happy with how physical Harvard was with Evans down low, but she praised the senior forward for her overall toughness.
“She hasn’t been getting the calls because she’s getting hit,” said Kilburn-Steveskey. “I don’t know how she maintains that sort of physical beating every game. She has this ability to stay calm and keep her cool.”
Hofstra has another tough game come up against Princeton in New Jersey, then another against Auburn University in Alabama.
“We are playing all the same type of teams,” said Kilburn-Steveskey. “Princeton is up and down too right now, but they are a strong team. Our defense is getting better and better… and it’s got to start paying off here real soon. We have to keep putting it together.”