ELON-- A strong first half and multiple defensive sets were enough to propel Hofstra to an 80-76 win over a fired-up Elon on Saturday night in Colonial Athletic Association play.

the Pride reeled off on a 21-4 run, including 13 straight points to pull ahead 30-17.

The Phoenix responded, going on a 10-2 run of its own to cut the Pride lead to five, 32-27.

Big man Rokas Gustys led the way down low for Hofstra, finishing with a team-high 19 points on 9-of-13 shooting. He also cleaned the glass on both ends, keeping Pride possessions going with eight offensive rebounds, and finishing with 12 total boards.

A layup by freshman Dainan Swoope gave the Phoenix its first lead since it was up 13-11 with 16: left in the first half.

 

Tanner Samson's superb shooting night, he went 8-of-10 from the field and 7-of-9 from three-point range, was not enough to overcome a strong first half from the Pride

In addition to Samson, Christian Hairston and Tyler Seibring finished in double-figures for the Phoenix, with 19 and 16 points respectively.

Big man Rokas Gustys led Hofstra with 19 points on 9-of-13 shooting and Juan'ya Green, Ameen Tanksley and Brian Bernardi also had double-digit points for the Pride.