Hampton defeats Stony Brook 62-59
Hampton Edges Stony Brook in Thrilling Comeback Victory
In a dramatic turn of events, Hampton University (0) pulled off a stunning comeback win over visiting Stony Brook University (0), 62-59, at the Convocation Center in Hampton, VA.
The home crowd was electric as Hampton trailed by just one point at halftime, 29-34. However, the Seadogs came out strong in the second half, only to see Hampton's Xzavier Long lead a remarkable comeback. Long, who had 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, sparked the rally with his clutch shooting and tenacious defense.
Stony Brook's Erik Pratt led all scorers with 20 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Hampton's gritty effort. The Seadogs' Richard Goods chipped in with 5 points and 7 rebounds, while their bench provided crucial support down the stretch.
The game was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling from beyond the arc. Stony Brook's 3-point shooting ultimately proved to be their downfall, as they went just 8-for-19 from three. Hampton, on the other hand, connected on 3-of-20 attempts, but made up for it with their efficiency inside the paint.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Convocation Center erupted in cheers as Hampton celebrated its hard-fought win. The victory marked a significant upset, as Stony Brook was expected to come out on top in this conference matchup.
Advanced Statistics
Hampton's balanced performance was highlighted by an eFG% of 49.0%, which ranked among the top in the country last season. Their True Shooting Percentage (51.4%) also stood out, showcasing their efficiency from all levels of the court. Stony Brook, meanwhile, struggled with turnovers, committing 16 against Hampton's stingy defense.
Game Leaders
* Xzavier Long (Hampton): 16 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists
* Erik Pratt (Stony Brook): 20 points
The win marked a significant statement for Hampton, as they continue to build momentum in the conference standings. For Stony Brook, it was a tough lesson in how to close out games against tough opponents. The Seadogs will look to bounce back on the road next week, while Hampton will aim to keep its winning streak going at home.