Full Breakdown
Hofstra Ends 25-Year NCAA Tournament Drought with CAA Championship Victory
3/11/2026, 6:47:06 AM
Hofstra's Historic Win
Hofstra University’s men’s basketball team has secured its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 25 years, defeating Monmouth University 75-69 in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) championship game on March 10, 2026, at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. The Pride's victory marks their first trip to the NCAA Tournament since the 2000-01 season, when they were coached by Jay Wright. This win also grants Hofstra the CAA's automatic bid to the national tournament.
Game Overview
The match was tightly contested, with Hofstra (24-10) taking a narrow 35-32 lead into halftime. Monmouth (19-15) initially surged ahead, leading 6-0, but Hofstra responded with a series of outside shots and strong rebounding, particularly from Silas Sunday, who recorded 12 rebounds. Freshman guard Preston Edmead was pivotal for Hofstra, scoring a game-high 26 points, including crucial baskets in the second half that helped maintain their lead.
Monmouth's Kavion McClain, who had been sidelined during the regular season due to NCAA investigations, led his team with 19 points but struggled in the first half, scoring only two points. His performance improved significantly in the second half, where he scored 11 points in a rapid succession, momentarily giving Monmouth a 45-39 lead. However, Hofstra quickly regained control with a 12-2 run.
Key Moments
The final minutes of the game were marked by intense back-and-forth scoring. After Monmouth cut the deficit to one point, Hofstra's German Plotnikov hit a critical three-pointer, extending the lead to four. Hofstra sealed the victory with successful free throws in the closing seconds, converting 16 of 20 attempts in the second half and finishing the game with an 82.1% free-throw percentage.
Official Statements & Responses
Hofstra head coach Craig “Speedy” Claxton expressed pride in his team's resilience, stating, “We knew we had to keep our composure, and we did.” Monmouth head coach King Rice acknowledged Hofstra's performance, noting, “They made plays man. That freshman (Edmead) is good. We just couldn’t sustain our lead.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the loss, Monmouth's efforts were commendable, especially considering they had not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2006. Coach Rice pointed out the challenges his team faced, particularly in maintaining offensive momentum after a strong start. Monmouth struggled with shooting accuracy, hitting only 20% from three-point range compared to Hofstra's 30.8%.
What's Next
Hofstra's victory not only ends a long drought but also sets the stage for their participation in the NCAA Tournament, where they will aim to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, Monmouth will look to regroup and build on their performance as they prepare for future seasons.
