Preview: Men's basketball looking to right the ship tonight

Looking to rebound after a tough week, the Hofstra University men’s basketball team welcomes Hampton University in a crucial conference matchup on Thursday, Jan. 18.

Last weekend, the Pride dropped back-to-back Coastal Athletic Conference (CAA) games for the first time in nearly two years. On Thursday, Jan. 11, the Pride fell behind Northeastern University 71-68 after a 21-point deficit at the half. On Saturday, Jan. 13, Hofstra dropped a nail-biter to Campbell University, 69-68. Hofstra enters the game losing five of their last six and is just 1-3 in conference play thus far.

Offensively, the Pride have not put up more than 79 points over their losing streak. Tyler Thomas remains the one consistent scorer for Hofstra, averaging 22.8 points per game. Thomas has not scored less than 13 points during the skid.

The Pride’s offense has been one-dimensional of late, relying heavily on 3-point shots. Hofstra leads the conference in 3-pointers made and is second in 3-pointers attempted. However, the Pride are shooting at just 31% from the 3-point line over the last six games. Conversely, Hofstra has difficulty from the charity stripe, making the least amount of free throws in the CAA.

The Hampton Pirates enter play last in the CAA at 0-4. Last time out, the Pirates scored 80 points, their CAA season-best, in a narrow defeat to North Carolina A&T State University. Hampton’s loss might be attributed to scoring just three points off offensive rebounds. Despite the last game, Hampton still ranks top five in the conference in all rebounding stats. Hampton’s Kyrese Mullen leads the conference in rebounding totaling 150.

The Pride outscored the Pirates by a combined score of 140-94 in their first two-ever meetings last season. Hofstra has a perfect 2-0 record against Hampton.

Tip-off from the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex in Hempstead, New York, is at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18.

Photo courtesy of Evan Bernstein/Hofstra Athletics