Hempstead, NY - Aaron Estrada scored nine of his career-best 35 points in overtime to lead three players in double-figures as Hofstra held off James Madison, 85-78, in a Colonial Athletic Association game Saturday afternoon at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. Zach Cooks (16) and Darlinstone Dubar (12) joined Estrada in double-figure scoring.

Hofstra improved to 14-9 overall and 6-4 in the CAA with the victory. The win also stopped a short, two-game losing streak for the Pride. James Madison slipped to 13-8 overall and 4-6 in league action.

In addition to his 35 points, Estrada added six rebounds, and three assists. The junior guard was 13-21 from the floor, including 6-10 from three-point range. Dubar, who was an efficient 5-8 from the floor, added five rebounds and a pair of steals. His overtime basket gave the Pride the lead for good. Cooks chipped in with four assists and two steals. Abayomi Iyiola had eight points and led the Pride with seven rebounds.

The Pride led 31-30 at the end of the first half. Hofstra used an 11-0 run midway through the first half to take a 23-13 lead. Cooks started the run with a corner three-pointer and Estrada capped it with a three-pointer of his own with 9:19 to play in the half. The Dukes answered with a 6-0 run of their own to get within four, 23-19 with 7:44 to go. James Madison would draw within one, 31-30, in the final 30 seconds as Vado Morse hit a three-pointer with 29 seconds to go.

The Dukes would retake the lead two minutes into the second half as Charles Falden hit a three-pointer that made it 37-35 in favor of the visitors. From that point, the game would feature five tie scores over the next five minutes as the teams traded baskets. The Pride retook the lead, 48-46, with 13:14 to go following a layup from Jalen Ray. Estrada followed with a three-pointer to push the lead to five with 12:43. A three-point play from Cooks made it a seven-point advantage, 54-47, with 12:15 to play. With Hofstra leading by 10, 59-49, the Dukes scored five straight points before Ray hit a three with 8:20 to go that extended the Pride's lead back to eight, 62-54.

James Madison continued to battle and pulled within two, 62-60, with 5:29 to play. However, Estrada and Cooks had back-to-back baskets to give Hofstra a little breathing room with 4:44 to play. Falden would get the Dukes within two once again, this time with a three-pointer from the top of the arc with 37 seconds remaining that made it 71-69. Morse would tie the game at 71 with 11 seconds to go. Hofstra turned the ball over on its final possession to send the game into overtime.  

Dubar put Hofstra ahead, 74-72, 1:10 into the extra session with a three-pointer from the right wing. Estrada made it a four-point lead with a layup with 3:09 to play and his three-pointer with 2:13 to go gave the Pride a seven-point edge. The Dukes scored two consecutive baskets to get within three, 79-76, with 1:17 on the clock. The teams exchanged baskets on their next possessions before Estrada hit a short jumper and the Dukes missed a shot on their end. Cooks then sank a pair of free throws with 11 seconds to play to close out the scoring.

Falden finished with 25 points to lead the Dukes, while Morse added 21. Alonzo Sule also scored in double-figures with 10 points.

Hofstra returns to action Monday, February 7 at 5 p.m. versus UNCW in a nationally televised game on CBS Sports Network. Tickets are available for purchase at HofstraTickets.com, by calling (516) HOF-TIXX, or by visiting the Hofstra Athletic Ticket Office in the lobby of the Mack Sports Complex during normal business hours.

Notes:
-Hofstra is 24-15 all-time versus James Madison and completed a season sweep of the Dukes.
-Estrada eclipsed his previous high of 30 points and his six three-pointers were also a career-best.
-Hofstra moved to 7-1 at the Mack Sports Complex.
-Hofstra is 1-1 in overtime this season.
-Ray scored eight points for the Pride and added eight assists and a career-high five steals.
-Jarrod Simmons matched a season-high with six points and set a personal best with two blocks.
-The game featured seven tie scores and 11 lead changes.