Hofstra comes back to defeat UNC Wilmington, 65-56
Hofstra's Stevie Mejia dribbles past midcourt in the first half. (Jan. 7, 2013) Credit: James Escher
In the midst of a difficult season, the Hofstra men's basketball team had a game that demonstrated that the Pride still can be a tough team to beat.
Hofstra came back from a 12-point second-half deficit to defeat North Carolina Wilmington, 65-56, Saturday afternoon at Trask Coliseum in Wilmington.
Stevie Mejia had 18 points as the Pride (6-18, 3-8 Colonial Athletic Association) ended its overall losing streak at seven games and road losing streak at 16 games dating to last season.
Stephen Nwaukoni had 12 points and 10 rebounds, Taran Buie scored 10 points and David Imes had eight points and nine rebounds for the Pride, which outrebounded UNCW 41-33. Redshirt freshman Jordan Allen had six points and seven steals.
Keith Rendleman (10 rebounds) and Cedrick Williams had 13 points each for North Carolina Wilmington (9-15, 3-8).
Matt Grogan's three-pointer gave Hofstra a 40-39 lead and Moussa Kone had two baskets as the Pride went ahead 49-46. Mejia's three-pointer capped a 7-0 run that produced a 52-46 lead, and Buie's three-pointer gave the Pride a 57-48 lead with 2:24 remaining. Imes' jumper put Hofstra ahead by 11.
