TAMPA, Fla. – Hofstra’s Long Wait Ends

After 25 years, Hofstra finally made its mark in the NCAA Tournament, but it didn’t end quite as hoped.

There was pride on the line—Hofstra wasn’t ready to exit the tournament they’ve long cherished.

But Alabama’s unmatched length, strength, speed, and athletic prowess ultimately overtook Hofstra.

The game concluded with Alabama triumphing 90-70 in the first round at Benchmark International Arena.

The score showed that Speedy Claxton’s 13th-seeded Hofstra put up a solid fight against the fourth-seeded Alabama, an SEC giant with standout guard LaBaron Fillon Jr.

After winning 24 games this season, Alabama is set to face Texas Tech in the next round on Sunday. As for Hofstra, they definitely came in with confidence.

“Hofstra is riding a significant winning streak,” Alabama coach Nate Oats remarked. “They entered the game expecting to win, and you could really see that.”

The game turned in Alabama’s favor as Hofstra struggled to maintain their defense in the closing moments.

“We made history, but we aimed for more,” Claxton reflected. “Still, we accomplished something special.”

His squad had even held a 28-18 lead at halftime against Alabama, showcasing potential even amid pressure.

“This season felt extraordinary. I hated to see it end,” said Hofstra freshman guard Preston Edmeade.

Edmeade led the Pride with 24 points on 9-of-25 shooting, while Cruz Davis, usually the team’s highest scorer, managed 14 points, falling short of his average.

Fillon, initially held back, finished with a game-high 29 points, becoming increasingly unstoppable.

“LaBaron made it clear he wasn’t going home,” Oats added.

On the boards, 6-foot-11 Aiden Sherrell contributed significantly for Alabama with 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Taylor Bol Bowen added another 15 from the bench.

Hofstra had foresight of their challenges, but the defensive rebounds Alabama snatched were a blow.

“17 offensive rebounds—it’s tough to secure wins with those numbers,” Claxton admitted. “In a tournament like this, you need near perfection, and we fell short today.”

Hofstra’s early success grabbed Alabama’s attention, especially when a 3-pointer from Joshua Aaron Reeves pushed them to an unexpected lead.

After trailing earlier, Alabama made a comeback led by Latrell Lightsell Jr., regaining control before halftime.

“We shifted our urgency; it was a win-or-go-home situation,” remarked Sherrell.

The second half started with Alabama on a 7-0 run, expanding their advantage before Hofstra made a resilient push.

Edmeade’s back-to-back 3-pointers narrowed the gap, with Victory Onueto’s dunk keeping hopes alive late in the game.

Yet, Fillon responded consistently, hitting crucial shots that kept Hofstra at bay.

“We got close a few times, but they kept answering back,” Claxton reflected, acknowledging the missed opportunities.

Fans were rooting for Hofstra, hoping for more than this moment.