Preview: Stony Brook Seawolves at Hofstra Pride

STEWART MANOR, N.Y. (Interstat) — A pivotal Colonial Athletic Association men’s basketball matchup is set for Saturday when the Hofstra Pride hosts the Stony Brook Seawolves at Mack Sports Complex.

The Pride (19-10) enter with a stronger overall record, but the visiting Seawolves (17-12) won the first meeting this season, 76-71, on Jan. 15. That result adds intrigue to the rematch as both teams position themselves for the upcoming conference tournament.

Hofstra has been formidable at home and arrives on a two-game winning streak, most recently an 82-68 road victory at Northeastern on Feb. 21. The Pride are led by guard Cruz Davis, who has scored at least 20 points in four of his last seven games. Davis is averaging 20.1 points per game over that stretch, including a 22-point performance in the win over Northeastern.

Stony Brook looks to rebound from a 82-69 road loss at Monmouth on Thursday. In that game, guard Erik Pratt led the Seawolves with 14 points and eight assists. Pratt has been a consistent offensive catalyst, posting a 34-point, six-rebound effort in a win over Hampton on Feb. 21 and averaging 17.4 points over his last seven contests.

The Seawolves have shown resilience, with recent wins over Hampton and Drexel, but have alternated wins and losses in their last six games. Hofstra has won five of its last seven, with its defense holding opponents under 70 points in all five of those victories.

Saturday’s contest will likely hinge on the backcourt duel between Hofstra’s Davis and Stony Brook’s Pratt. Hofstra will aim to use its home court advantage to avenge January’s loss, while Stony Brook seeks a season sweep to bolster its conference standing.

The game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. tip-off. Hofstra’s next game is at home against Drexel on Tuesday, March 3. Stony Brook hosts Towson on the same date.