Ray hits dagger as Hofstra holds off late Princeton rally

Aaron Estrada tied his career high of 20 points to go along with seven assists, as the guard shot an efficient 9-for-15 from the field while playing all 40 minutes to lead the Hofstra men’s basketball team to a four-point victory over the Princeton University Tigers, 81-77, on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.

“Hell of a win,” said Hofstra head coach Speedy Claxton. “That is a really, really good team. They pose so many challenges that you cannot relax for a split second against them.”

Estrada scored 18 of his 20 points in the first half, finding success once again in his second consecutive game as the Pride’s primary ball handler.

“My versatility really makes it harder for the defense to guard me,” Estrada said. “I can shoot, I can go off the dribble and I look for my teammates as well.”

With 25 seconds left in the game, and Hofstra clinging to a 78-77 lead, Hofstra senior guard Zach Cooks drove from the right wing deep into the paint, taking Princeton guards Ryan Langborg and Ethan Wright with him.

When Wright followed Cooks into the paint, he left the Pride player who has made the fourth most three-point field goals in program history, Jalen Ray, who relocated from the right corner to the right wing where Cooks hit him in stride. Wright tried to recover but it was too late. Ray banked in the three giving the Pride an 81-77 lead with 18.9 seconds remaining.

“[Ray] took a shot in a pressure situation and made it,” Claxton said. “That speaks volumes to him.”

Ray’s three-pointer was his second of the game as he finished with eight points and seven rebounds. Cooks, who assisted on the play, tied his teammate Estrada for the game-high in assists as both guards tallied seven. As a team, the Pride set a new season high in assists with 22.

 Cooks contributed defensively as well by recording four steals.

At halftime, Hofstra held a 50-34 lead following a pair of free throws made by Ray.

That lead grew to a game-high of 19 with 15:50 to go in the second half following a strong finish from Omar Silverio at the rim in transition. He then made the following free throw to complete the three-point play.

However, it wasn’t long until the Pride saw their lead begin to dwindle. By the 12:42 mark, Langborg had the lead to just 11 after his layup made it 61-50.

With 4:25 to go and the Tigers still down by 10, junior forward Tosan Evbuomwan buried a jumper to spark a 7-0 Princeton run that culminated in a layup by Matt Allocco,making it a one possession game with 2:05 left at 76-73.

On the following possession, Hofstra was able to pass the ball ahead to Darlinstone Dubar who finished on the right side of the basket to make it a two possession game, 78-73.

Princeton would have it within one point after a pair of layups in the final minute but that would be as close as they would get. Ray’s three moments later would seal their fate.

The Pride led for nearly the entirety of the 40 minute contest, only trailing for mere seconds following the opening tip off.

Dubar only missed one shot, going 7-for-8 from the field on top of two blocks and two steals, while Silverio shot 5-10 from the field for 17 points and pulled down five rebounds.

For Princeton, guard Jaelin Llewellyn scored a team-high 24 points, making 9 of his 16 shots. Wright totaled 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while Langborg had 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Evbuomwan was able to contribute 14 points as well.

“I’m proud of my guys,” Claxton said. “They really defended against a really really really good quality team.”

Hofstra’s victory pulls them to an even 4-4 record while staying undefeated at home this season. The loss drops Princeton’s record to 5-3.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics