Hofstra defeats Syracuse 69-70

Hofstra Edges Syracuse in Thrilling Non-Conference Showdown, 70-69

The JMA Wireless Dome was abuzz with energy on Saturday night as the Hofstra Pride (6-2) took on their Big East counterparts, the Syracuse Orange (5-4), in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup. In a game that saw both teams trade blows and make dramatic runs, Hofstra emerged victorious, 70-69.

The primary storyline of the evening was one of comebacks, as Hofstra erased a 1-point deficit at halftime to ultimately take down Syracuse on the road. The Orange led 37-36 at intermission, but the Pride found new life in the second half, outscoring their hosts by five points (34-29).

Syracuse's J.J. Starling was the primary scorer for the Orange, notching 15 points on 2-for-4 three-point shooting and a respectable 40.0% field goal percentage. Sadiq White Jr. contributed seven rebounds and 12 points off the bench.

For Hofstra, Cruz Davis was the standout performer, scoring 22 points on an efficient 57.1% shooting night from the field. He also dished out nine assists, adding to his growing case as one of the top point guards in the conference.

Advanced team statistics told a similar story: both teams struggled with efficiency, but Hofstra's superior three-point shooting (12/18) and free throw shooting (6/6) made all the difference. The Pride also outrebounded Syracuse 27-34, thanks to Victory Onuetu's 11 rebounds.

The game was marked by several key differentiating statistics, including Hofstra's eFG% of 60.4%, which outpaced Syracuse's 52.6%. Additionally, the Pride's True Shooting Percentage (62.9%) and Offensive Rebound Percentage (29.6%) were both higher than their counterparts, highlighting the team's ability to control the pace of the game.

In the end, Hofstra's 1-point victory was a testament to the team's ability to adapt and respond to adversity. The Pride will look to build on this momentum in the coming weeks, while Syracuse will seek to regroup and refocus ahead of its next challenge.

Game Leaders

Syracuse (HOME)

* J.J. Starling - 15 points

* Sadiq White Jr. - 7 rebounds, 12 points

Hofstra (AWAY)

* Cruz Davis - 22 points

* Victory Onuetu - 11 rebounds