Hofstra's Preston Edmead stole the show at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, scoring 24 points and grabbing 6 rebounds to propel the Pride to a 67-64 win over Monmouth. The junior guard's impressive performance was the difference-maker in a tightly contested matchup that saw both teams trade blows throughout.
The Hawks came out strong, taking a 29-24 lead into halftime, but Hofstra adjusted its strategy and stormed back in the second half. Cruz Davis, who finished with 19 points and 6 rebounds, played a crucial role in the Pride's resurgence, helping his team outscore Monmouth 36-31 in the final 20 minutes. Silas Sunday also made significant contributions, hauling in 11 rebounds to control the paint and limit Monmouth's second-chance opportunities.
Despite being outdone by Edmead, Monmouth's Jason Rivera-Torres had a spectacular game of his own, dropping 30 points and collecting 9 rebounds. The Hawks' star player kept his team in contention, but ultimately, it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Pride. Andrew Ball and Justin Ray chipped in with 13 and 9 points, respectively, but Monmouth's supporting cast couldn't match the depth of Hofstra's roster.
The game was marked by several key moments, including a pivotal stretch midway through the second half where Hofstra built a small cushion. The Pride's lead never grew larger than 7 points, and Monmouth continually threatened to take the lead, but Edmead and company held firm. In the end, Hofstra's narrow victory was a reflection of its resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
This result has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. For Hofstra, the win marks a Quadrant 4 victory, which, while not overly impressive, still adds some depth to its resume. The Pride now boasts a 13-6 record and want to build on this momentum as it navigates the remainder of its schedule. On the other hand, Monmouth, despite the loss, can take solace in the fact that this was a Quadrant 2 game, indicating that it was a competitive outing against a quality opponent. The Hawks' 9-10 record still leaves them with work to do, but a strong performance against a top-100 team like Hofstra will undoubtedly be viewed favorably by the selection committee.
As the season wears on, both teams will be closely watched to see how they respond to this outcome. For now, Hofstra can celebrate a hard-fought win, while Monmouth want to regroup and bounce back from a narrow defeat. The Pride's victory may not have been a statement win, but it reinforces the team's position as a formidable mid-major program, and Edmead's star turn will only add to the buzz surrounding this emerging team.