Jenkins (23) leads Hofstra past Delaware

With a chance to solidify a top-four seeding in the upcoming Colonial Athletic Association Tournament, Hofstra needed to come up big against a beatable opponent.

And the Pride got what it needed Saturday as Charles Jenkins scored 23 points in a 61-58 win over host Delaware.

Hofstra (17-9, 11-4) is tied for third in the CAA with Old Dominion - although the Pride would lose a tiebreaker with ODU - and has a two-game lead over fifth-place Drexel with three games to play.

Even if Drexel wins out, Hofstra needs only two victories against William & Mary (3-12), UNC Wilmington (6-9) and Delaware (6-9) to guarantee at least a fourth-place finish and a first-round bye in the CAA Tournament. Only the Wilmington game is on the road, and Hofstra is 6-2 away from Hempstead.

Said coach Mo Cassara, "Number one, we continue to find ways to perform well on the road, which is so important in this league. Number two, we have developed an incredible will to win in close games."

A jumper by Mike Moore (17 points) gave Hofstra a 53-42 lead with 5:42 left, but Jamelle Hagins' layup moved Delaware within 55-53 with 2:45 to go.

Jenkins went to work after that, hitting a jumper and four free throws to give Hofstra a 61-55 lead with nine seconds left. Delaware's Devon Saddler hit a three-pointer at the final buzzer.

Greg Washington contributed 11 points, six rebounds and two blocks and David Imes had 12 rebounds for the Pride.

Saddler led Delaware (11-14, 6-9) with 25 points.