- German Plotnikov’s double-double (23 points, 10 rebounds) anchors Hofstra’s victory
- Cruz Davis fuels first-half surge with 19 points and 8 assists
- NC A&T’s Jahnathan Lamothe scores game-high 21 points in losing effort
- Hofstra advances in the CAA Tournament with a commanding 22-point win
Hofstra delivered a decisive 77-55 victory over North Carolina A&T in the Coastal Athletic Association Tournament opener, powered by German Plotnikov’s standout performance. The Pride seized control early, building a 20-point halftime lead they never relinquished. Plotnikov’s dominance on both ends of the floor, paired with Cruz Davis’ playmaking, underscored Hofstra’s cohesive gameplay in Washington, D.C.
Plotnikov emerged as the game’s linchpin, recording 23 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals. His second-half heroics, including 15 points after halftime, stifled any hopes of an NC A&T comeback. Teammate Cruz Davis added 19 points and eight assists, with 18 of his points coming in a blistering first-half display that set the tone for Hofstra’s offensive rhythm.
Despite the loss, NC A&T’s Jahnathan Lamothe shone with a game-high 21 points, while Efstratios Kalliontzis narrowly missed a double-double (13 points, nine rebounds). The Aggies struggled to counter Hofstra’s defensive pressure, which generated 10 team steals and limited second-chance opportunities.
Hofstra’s defensive strategy focused on disrupting passing lanes and capitalizing on turnovers, a tactic that translated to 15 fast-break points. Their ability to convert steals into scoring opportunities highlighted their preparedness for single-elimination play. Head coach Craig ‘Speedy’ Claxton emphasized post-game, “Our defensive intensity set the stage. When we play with that focus, we’re tough to beat.”
The CAA Tournament’s neutral-site location in Washington, D.C., provided a vibrant atmosphere, with Hofstra’s traveling fans amplifying the team’s momentum. Regional analysis shows mid-major conferences benefit from urban host cities, as seen in last year’s 28% attendance boost for CAA games in metro areas. This setting allowed Hofstra to showcase their program to a broader audience, potentially aiding future recruiting.
Tournament psychology played a key role, as Hofstra avoided complacency despite their early lead—a common pitfall in March basketball. Assistant coach Mike Farrelly noted, “In postseason play, every possession matters. We drilled into the guys that a 20-point lead can evaporate in eight minutes.” This mindset kept the Pride focused, holding NC A&T to 38% shooting in the second half.
Looking ahead, Hofstra will face top-seeded Charleston in the quarterfinals. Their ability to maintain defensive discipline and distribute scoring beyond Plotnikov will be critical against the Cougars’ high-powered offense. For NC A&T, the offseason focus shifts to developing younger talents like Lamothe, who averaged 17.3 PPG in his final five games.