Next Game:
11/19/2024 | 7 PM
ACCNX
WRHU (HAWC)
Nov. 19 (Tue) / 7 PM
at Florida State
Amherst, MA – In a thrilling matchup, Jean Aranguren showcased a stellar performance with 20 points and a career-high 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Cruz Davis shone brightly with a career-best 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists, leading the Hofstra men’s basketball team to a hard-fought 75-71 victory over Massachusetts at the Mullins Center on Saturday evening.
The Pride has opened the season strong, now boasting a 4-0 record for the second time in three seasons, a feat mirrored during their outstanding 2022-23 campaign.
Hofstra established an early lead, extending it to as much as 13 points in the first half. A three-pointer from KiJan Robinson pushed the score to 28-15 with just over eight minutes remaining before halftime, allowing the Pride to enter the break with a solid five-point advantage.
With a strong start to the second half, Aranguren’s four-point play extended Hofstra’s lead to 42-34. A series of free throws from Davis at the 8:28 mark further widened the margin to 54-45. However, the Minutemen responded quickly, igniting a 9-0 run to tie the game at 54, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.
As overtime began, Aranguren took charge, scoring the initial six points to give Hofstra a 69-63 lead. The Minutemen refused to back down, but Michael Graham secured a critical offensive rebound and putback, raising the score to 71-68 with less than a minute on the clock. The Pride maintained a slim two-point lead as the game wound down, ultimately securing the victory with strong defensive efforts and two additional free throws.
TJ Gadsden contributed significantly with nine points and a commanding 12 rebounds, while Robinson’s contributions off the bench included eight pivotal points.
Jaylen Curry led the Minutemen with 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Rahsool Diggins also had a productive night, adding 16 points and six rebounds as Massachusetts fell to 1-3 for the season.
Hofstra is set to continue its campaign on Tuesday as it heads to Florida State for a scheduled 7 p.m. matchup.
NOTES
– Hofstra improved to 2-3 all-time against Massachusetts, marking the Pride’s first win in the series since the 1971-72 season.
– Aranguren’s impressive double-double is the second for the Pride this season (KiJan Robinson vs. SUNY Old Westbury).
– Tonight also signified the first instance this season where Hofstra had at least two players scoring 20 points or more.
– This game marked Hofstra’s first overtime contest since their thrilling 97-92 win against High Point in the championship game of the Gulf Coast Showcase on November 22, 2023.
How do you plan to keep the team’s morale high after a successful start to the season?
**Interview with Hofstra Men’s Basketball Coach: Looking Ahead to Florida State Matchup**
**Editor**: Welcome, Coach. Great win against Massachusetts! Can you talk about the team’s overall performance and what stood out to you during the game?
**Coach**: Thank you! It was indeed a thrilling victory. I was particularly impressed with our guys’ composure and teamwork. Jean Aranguren and Cruz Davis stepped up big time, combining for over 40 points. Their ability to lead the team offensively, especially in crucial moments, highlighted our depth and resilience.
**Editor**: With that victory, Hofstra is now 4-0 for the season. How important is this strong start as you prepare for the upcoming game against Florida State?
**Coach**: A strong start is always beneficial—it sets the tone and builds confidence. However, we understand that every game is a new challenge. Florida State will be a tough opponent, and we have to keep our focus and not get complacent.
**Editor**: Speaking of Florida State, what are your thoughts on what challenges they present?
**Coach**: They’re a well-coached team with a lot of talent. They’re athletic and have strong defensive capabilities. We need to be prepared for their physicality and quick transitions. Our strategy will focus on maintaining ball security and executing our offensive plays effectively.
**Editor**: Last question, Coach. The game is scheduled for November 19th at 7 PM on ACCNX and WRHU. How are you keeping the team motivated for this matchup?
**Coach**: We emphasize the importance of each game, and those motivations come from within the team. We highlight the significance of proving ourselves against top-tier competition. Every player is committed to improving and showing what we can do on the national stage.
**Editor**: Thank you, Coach, for your insights. Best of luck against Florida State!
**Coach**: Thank you! Go Pride!