City of Basketball Love

Jeff Griffith (@Jeff_Griffith21)
--

Although Drexel seemed to be hanging with top-seed Hofstra early on in the CAA quarterfinals, the Pride ended up being too much for the Dragons, who finished their tough 2015-16 campaign in a 80-67 defeat.

At First…
After Hofstra opened up a quick 7-2 lead, the Dragons responded by keeping things close until about the 7-minute mark. At that point, the Pride took their first double-digit lead, one that inflate to fifteen before the end of the half.

A couple of Rodney Williams free throws would send things to the break with Hofstra leading 42-29.

Turning Point…
Hofstra opened up the second half with a 7-0 run to take a 20-point lead and never looked back, as a Brian Bernardi triple put the Pride up 49-29 just 90 seconds in.

Drexel had enough in the tank to cut the lead to nine later on in the frame, but not enough to surmount any kind of miracle comeback, as Hofstra rode its hot start to the second half to a comfortable finish.

Shining Stars…
Junior Rodney Williams played admirably for Drexel in the final game of the season, leading the way for the Dragons with a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds. In the last game of his career, senior Kazembe Abif finished with 18 points in defeat and scored the final basket of his team's season.

As for Hofstra, sophomore Rokas Gustys went to work around the rim, putting in his own double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Leading all scorers, however, was CAA player of the year Juan’ya Green, chipping in 22 points for the Pride.

Noteworthy Numbers…
25: Foul trouble was an issue early on, with three different players picking up at least two fouls in the first half. The Dragons’ total foul tally of 25 allowed Hofstra to get 21 of its points from the free throw line, while Drexel only shot nine attempts at the charity stripe.

Up Next…
This defeat marks the end of a tough season for Drexel (6-25). As for Hofstra, the top-seeded Pride are two wins from their fifth ever NCAA tournament appearance and first since 2001. They’ll take on the winner of no. 5 William & Mary and no. 4 James Madison.