By Elliot Rubin -- STAFF WRITER The Hofstra men’s basketball team got back to its winning ways Thursday night, holding on for a 86-80 win on the road over William & Mary.
After disappointing losses in the two most recent games, Hofstra needed a fast start against a conference rival in the Tribe. However, the Pride came out flat as it took over four minutes for Hofstra to score, which was emphasized by William & Mary starting the game on a 9 -0 run.
To start off the game, the Pride shot 1-7 from the field, while the Tribe shot 4-9. Despite Hofstra’s early shooting struggles, the team would eventually find its stroke from all over the court. With just under 11 minutes left in the first half, sharpshooter Brian Bernardi delivered the first three of the night, to the Pride’s deficit to five, 18-13.
A little less than five minutes later, the Pride tied the game on the heels of another three by Bernardi, who finished the night with 13 points. Hofstra tried to take the lead on their subsequent possession, but a charging foul on Denton Koon delayed that possibility.
A few minutes later, the Pride claimed their first lead of the game when Juan’ya Green, the team’s leading scorer, delivered with a mid-range jumper. Unfortunately for Hofstra, this lead was short-lived, as two minutes later, right before the five-minute mark, Sean Sheldon knocked down two free-throws, giving the Tribe a 29-28 lead.
Following a Hunter Seacat tip-in on a runner that wouldn’t go initially, W&M looked like it would take a three point lead into the half, however Hofstra had other ideas. With five seconds left in the half, Bernardi struck from downtown again, tying the game at 38 going into halftime.
Hofstra started the second half off in a similar fashion to the first, however the Pride's lapse on offense did not last nearly as long this time. After Juan’ya Green’s pass was stolen for a layup by Omar Prewitt to start the half, Rokas Gustys quickly answered the charge and even the score at 40. Just like most of the first half, the second half was very much a back-and-forth affair.
It was only at the 14:10 mark that one team was able to somewhat pull away – even if it was only for a few minutes, when Denton Koon nailed a three pointer to give Hofstra a 51-48 lead. On the team's next possession, Gustys drove in for the layup to give the Pride a five point lead.
While Hofstra maintained its lead from the mid-point in the second half to the end of the game, William & Mary would ensure that the victory would not come easily for the Pride in their 86-80 victory.
For the Pride, every starter scored in double-digits. Gustys had 25 points and 15 rebounds, and Green had 13 points and 12 assists. Ameen Tanksley had 18 points and six rebounds.
With the win, Hofstra improved to 17-8 on the season, and 9-4 in the CAA. William and Mary dropped to 17-7, and 9-4 in the CAA.
The Pride travels to the University of Delaware for its next game, a matchup with the Fightin’ Blue Hens on Saturday, Feb. 13. Hofstra defeated UDel 90-80 in the two teams’ previous contest this season. Tip-off at the Bob Carpenter Center is set for 5 p.m.