Hempstead, NY - The Hofstra women's basketball team used a strong defensive effort and timely scoring down the stretch to earn a 58-54 victory over Coppin State Wednesday evening at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. With the win, the Pride improved to 2-1 on the season.
Ema Karim led Hofstra with 14 points, including a career-best four three-pointers, while Angel Jones added 11 points, six rebounds and a game-high seven assists. Felicia Jacobs recorded nine points and a team-high 11 rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double. Paloma Garcia Rosado contributed seven points, and Comari Mitchell chipped in six points.
Hofstra established control early, holding Coppin State (2-2) to just six points in the opening quarter while building a 16-6 advantage. The Eagles responded in the second quarter, using a 22-point period to cut into the deficit. The Pride maintained a 31-28 lead at halftime after Karim connected on two three-pointers in the period and Kiyanna Blacks-Stewart provided a spark off the bench with three points.
The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter, with Hofstra maintaining a slim 44-41 advantage entering the final 10 minutes. The Pride extended its lead to 10 points in the fourth quarter, but Coppin State continued to battle and pulled within three points, 54-51, with 1:26 remaining. Mitchell answered with a jumper to push the lead back to five, and Jones converted two free throws with 15 seconds remaining to help Hofstra secure the victory. Coppin State added two free throws in the final second to account for the final margin.
Hofstra's defense played a significant role in the victory, forcing 22 Coppin State turnovers and converting those miscues into 30 points. The Pride also finished with 10 steals and held a 39-36 advantage on the glass.Â
Coppin State's Anya George led all scorers with 17 points, while Shanaii Gamble added 14 points and 14 rebounds.Â
Hofstra returns to action Sunday, Nov. 15, when the Pride travels to New Rochelle, New York, to take on Iona. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Hynes Athletics Center. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
NOTES:
-Hofstra moves to 1-1 all-time versus Coppin State in the first meeting between the schools since December 21, 1992.
-Karim had a career-high four steals, while Jones added three.
-Jacobs' 11 rebounds were a career-best.
-The Hofstra bench contributed 18 points and the Pride held an 18-9 advantage in bench scoring.
-Hofstra never trailed in the game.
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