Second half wrecks Hofstra again
Hofstra University's Mike Moore, left, looks to pass around George Mason University's Vertrail Vaughns in the first half. (Jan. 25, 2012) Credit: James Escher
A new day brought the same old results for Hofstra.
In what has become a recurring theme this season, the Pride kept it close early but couldn't finish as it lost to Northeastern, 58-51, at Matthews Arena in Boston Saturday.
Mike Moore's layup with 51.6 seconds left brought Hofstra (7-16, 1-10 Colonial Athletic Association) within 54-47, but Jonathan Lee was fouled on the ensuing inbounds pass and made both free throws to seal the game for Northeastern (11-10, 7-4).
"We had some good looks and we could have made it a one-possession game," Hofstra coach Mo Cassara said. "We're a frustrated group because we've lost a lot of close games, but we're also finding ways to be competitive."
Moore had 17 points, leading Hofstra in scoring for the 19th time in 23 games. David Imes added 10 points, eight rebounds and four steals for the Pride. Nathaniel Lester was held to six points, leaving him 10 shy of becoming the 30th Hofstra player to score 1,000 career points. He had reached double figures in points in the previous 14 games.
Lee and Quincy Ford each had 17 points and Reggie Spencer added 13 for Northeastern.
Hofstra took a 10-5 lead, helped by three-pointers by Moore and Imes. But the Pride shot only 22.6 percent from the field in the second half and 29.6 percent for the game.
The Pride trailed by only 30-27 entering halftime, but Lee hit a three-pointer on the opening possession of the second half to spark a 10-2 run that gave Northeastern a 40-29 lead. Hofstra missed its first eight field-goal attempts of the second half.
"We continue to be in games and have opportunities," Cassara said. "We have to continue to find ways to get the ball in the basket. Our defensive effort is where it needs to be. We just need to make some shots down the stretch."
