Mejia has 13 in Hofstra's season ending loss to Delaware
Hofstra's Stevie Mejia dribbles upcourt during the first half vs. George Mason at the Mack Sports Complex. (Feb. 20, 2013) Credit: James Escher
Hofstra senior guard Stevie Mejia had 13 points, eight rebounds in six assists, but couldn't avoid making the Pride's 62-57 CAA quarterfinal loss to Delaware his last college game.
It was a tough end to a difficult season for Hofstra (7-25), which fought to overcome several injuries and multiple player dismissals.
The shorthanded Pride, which trailed 53-43 at the 7:00 mark, cut the deficit to 58-55 after a three by Taran Buie with 18 seconds left.
But Delaware's Jarvis Threatt made two free throws with 14 seconds left to extend the Blue Hens' lead to 60-55.
It was the seventh loss in eight games for Hofstra.
Hofstra got a strong effort from Buie, a junior, with 13 points and eight rebounds.
Senior forward David Imes, playing in his final game for the Pride, had 12 points and six rebounds, while Hofstra's other senior, Matt Grogan, played just one minute and didn't score.
Jordan Allen added eight points and six rebounds and Moussa Kone chipped in seven points and six rebounds for Hofstra.
Devon Saddler had 22 points, Threatt added 15 points and Jamil Haggins had 12 points and 15 rebounds for Delaware (19-3).
The Pride's hopes of a strong year were dashed early when four players -- Jimmy Hall, Dallas Anglin, Shaquille Stokes and Kentrell Washington-- were dismissed from the team seven games into the season after being arrested on burglary charges.
Season-ending knee injuries to Connecticut transfer Jamal Coombs-McDaniel, who never played a game for the Pride, and to junior forward Stephen Nwaukoni (shoulder) added to the squad's hardship.
The first half looked promising as Mejia scored eight points and helped Hofstra take a 27-24 halftime lead.
