In a rematch of last year’s National Invitation Tournament (NIT) match between Stony Brook and Hofstra, Hofstra came out on top in a final score of 82-67. The Hofstra Pride got contributions from several sources as it had five players in double figures, and 11 players recording at least one field goal overall. Stony Brook shot 40 percent overall from the field, but finished the game with a strong second half and much improved performance from last year’s game.
Stony Brook was lead by Dana Ferraro, with 17 points and 5 rebounds, Jessica Smith with 10 points and 3 boards, and 12 points and a game high 6 assists from Mykeema Ford. Jessica Smith broke 1300 career points with a layup at 16:19 left in the first half.
Hofstra’s Cigi McCollin and Samantha Brigham each scored 14 points, combining to hit seven of Hofstra’s 9 three pointers.
The Seawolves started out with a strong three-pointer and a steal that led to another basket, and led for the first three minutes of the game before Hofstra took over. For the next 4 minutes and 20 seconds, the two teams exchanged the lead several times before Hofstra went on a decisive run until the end of the half. The Pride went in to the end of the first half up 58-33, capping a 32-8 run over the final 7:38 of the half. Much of their success was attributed to their hot 3 point shoot, hitting seven of eight attempts from downtown.
Overall, for the first half, they shot over 65% from the field and 58% for the game. Going into the second half down 55-38, the Seawolves stepped up their effort defensively and actually outscored their opponent 29 to 27 points. However, it was not enough to overcome their first half deficit.
After the game, guard McCollin said that she was impressed because ‘as a team it was a really complete game,’ as they received a strong effort off their bench and starters.
Head coach Maura McHugh later said, ‘We are in the toughest stretch of our schedule right now and need to keep improving so we are ready for conference play.’ She continued, ‘If we don’t play good teams like this, we’re doing a disservice to ourselves.’
Stony Brook is again in action against Dartmouth in New England on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
