Hofstra women get another good win

It's three and counting for the Hofstra women's basketball team.

That's three as in wins versus high-level programs for the Pride, which used its depth and a potent uptempo offensive attack Thursday night to easily dispatch Seton Hall, 94-74, at the Mack Sports Complex.

Pride coach Krista Kilburn-Steveskey made no secret that a challenging non-conference schedule would garner national attention, particularly from the NCAA Tournament selection committee.

Is it safe to say that Hofstra (5-1), with wins over Seton Hall, St. John's and Kansas State, has arrived?

"I think we've been past that for the last two years," said Kilburn-Steveskey, who referred to victories over Providence and other high-level teams in previous seasons. "It does help to get these Ws to get past that."

Depth and offensive efficiency have been the keys to Hofstra's success this season, and this was no exception. All but one player on the roster scored and five were in double figures.

Nicole Capurso had 20 points, Kate Loper 17 and Shante Evans 14. Reserve forward Deven Green had a career-high 13 points and 10 rebounds and Marie Malone added 11 points.

"I knew coming into this year that we had depth," said Evans, who played only 17 minutes. "It means some games I can sit the bench and have my teammates win the game for us. Anyone on our team can score."

Hofstra had 38 points in the paint, went 7-for-16 on three-pointers and shot 45 percent. "When we see zone, our eyes light up as shooters," said Loper, who went 3-for-6 on three-pointers. "We know we're going to get wide-open looks."

Senior guard Jasmine Crew had 25 points and Brittany Morris added 22 for Seton Hall (5-3). The rest of the Pirates shot a combined 12-for-36 and scored 27 points.

Hofstra caught fire early on the strength of six first-half three-pointers and took a 50-29 halftime lead. The hot shooting continued into the second half as the Pride extended the lead to 68-42 on two free throws by Green with 13:52 left.

The Pride's offensive output was no surprise; Hofstra scored at least 88 points in three previous games. "Honestly, I love this offense," Evans said. "There are so many options."