Hofstra loses its lead late as South Florida rallies to win, 71-70
Hofstra Pride guard Dion Nesmith controls the ball against the Stony Brook Seawolves in the second half of an NCAA Division I basketball game at Mack Sports Complex on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
TAMPA, Fla. -- Junior forward Ameen Tanksley scored a game-high 20 points for Hofstra, including five three-pointers, and junior guard Juan'ya Green added 17 points and seven assists but South Florida rallied in the second half to beat the Pride last night, 71-70, at the USF Sun Dome.
Chris Perry scored the game-winner with seven seconds left in the contest.
The loss drops the Pride's record to 3-2, while South Florida improved to 4-1.
Hofstra, which led by six at halftime, used a three-pointer from Dion Nesmith with 3:59 left to push its lead to 64-53. South Florida went on a 13-2 run late to tie the score at 66 with 1:25 left on a layup by Dinero Mercurius.
With the outcome of the game hanging in the balance, Green put Hofstra back in front at 70-69 with two free throws with 37 seconds left, setting up the finish that included Perry's basket.
Sophomore guard Brian Bernardi added 14 points, including four three-pointers, for Hofstra, and Rokas Gustys had a game-best 12 rebounds for the Pride.
Conor Allen Jr. led the Bulls with 18 points and Anthony Collins had eight points and 12 assists for USF.
Hofstra took a double-digit lead as a basket from Tanksley with 1:41 left in the first half pushed the Pride advantage to 36-26 before the Bulls closed the half with four quick points to account for the six-point halftime lead for Hofstra.
An 8-0 run in the second half enabled the Pride to open its biggest lead, 57-42, with 9:43 left.
Hofstra is back in action Friday when it continues its week-long road trip with a game at Jackson State. Tip-off from Mississippi is scheduled for 8 p.m.
