The Hofstra Pride, led by Cruz Davis' 20 points and 5 assists, dismantled the Hampton Pirates 79-43, showcasing their dominance on both ends of the court. Hofstra's 37 points in the first half set the tone for the game, with Davis scoring 12 of his points in the opening 20 minutes. The Pride's defense was stifling, holding Hampton to just 24 points in the first half, including a dismal 2-for-10 from three-point range. Hofstra's 13-point lead at halftime ballooned to 36 by the final buzzer, as they outscored Hampton 42-19 in the second half. This victory marks Hofstra's fifth win in their last six games, with their only loss coming against UNC Wilmington, 66-70, on the road.
Hofstra's recent form has been impressive, averaging 71.2 points per game over their last five contests, while allowing just 60.2 points per game. This 11-point average margin of victory has propelled them to a 4-1 record in that stretch, with wins over Charleston, Towson, Northeastern, and Monmouth. In contrast, Hampton has struggled, averaging 67 points per game over their last five games, while allowing 72.8 points per game, resulting in a 2-3 record. The Pirates' inability to contain Hofstra's offense, which shot 51.9% from the field, was a major factor in their demise.
Hofstra's 36-Point Margin of Victory Ties Season High
Beyond the impressive stat lines, Cruz Davis' performance was marked by his clutch shooting, including a trio of three-pointers in the first half. Biggie Patterson and Silas Sunday also made significant contributions, with Patterson's 11 rebounds and Sunday's 6 rebounds helping to control the paint. On the other hand, Hampton's Etienne Strothers, who led the Pirates with 12 points and 5 assists, was unable to find consistent support from his teammates, as Xzavier Long and Josh Ogundele combined for just 12 points.
The CHD Scout prediction of a 76-65 Hofstra victory, with a predicted margin of 11.2 points, ultimately proved correct, albeit with a much larger margin of victory than anticipated.
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The accuracy of this prediction can be attributed to Hofstra's strong defensive performance, which held Hampton to a season-low 43 points. The Pirates' struggles from three-point range, where they shot just 3-for-14, also contributed to the larger-than-expected margin. Additionally, Hofstra's ability to capitalize on Hampton's turnovers, scoring 17 points off 14 Pirate miscues, helped to inflate the final margin.
As the regular season enters its final stretch, this victory has real consequences for Hofstra's tournament prospects. With 18 wins and a 103 NET ranking, the Pride are firmly in the conversation for an at-large bid. Their recent form, combined with this dominant performance, suggests that they may be peaking at the right time.
This win, classified as a Quadrant 4 game for Hofstra, will likely have a positive impact on their NET ranking, potentially moving them into the top 100. For Hampton, this loss, a Quadrant 2 game, will likely drop them further down the NET rankings, making their already slim tournament hopes even more distant. With the tournament picture beginning to take shape, Hofstra's performance will undoubtedly be scrutinized by the selection committee, and this dominant victory will only help to bolster their case.
In the context of their season, Hofstra's 79-43 win over Hampton serves as a reflection of their growth and improvement. Having navigated a challenging schedule, including games against UNC Wilmington, Charleston, and Towson, the Pride have emerged as a formidable opponent, capable of competing with anyone in their conference. As they look to close out the regular season on a strong note, this victory will serve as a confidence booster, and a reminder of their potential to make a deep run in the tournament. With their sights set on the postseason, Hofstra must maintain their current level of performance, and continue to demonstrate the dominance they showed against Hampton.