STEWART MANOR, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a Colonial Athletic Association clash defined by defense and free throws, Hofstra survived a monumental individual performance from Monmouth’s Jason Rivera-Torres to escape with a 67-64 overtime victory on Saturday at Mack Sports Complex.

The game, a grind from the opening tip, saw both teams struggle mightily from the field. Hofstra shot just 27.1%, while Monmouth was scarcely better at 33.3%. The difference materialized at the foul line, where the Pride converted 29 of 33 attempts compared to the Hawks’ 18 of 23. That 11-point disparity proved decisive in a game decided by three.

Monmouth’s Rivera-Torres, a 6-foot-7 forward from the Bronx, was spectacular in defeat, scoring a game-high 30 points and grabbing nine rebounds in 43 minutes. He carried the Hawks’ offense for long stretches, hitting timely three-pointers and attacking the rim. His two free throws with 56 seconds left in overtime tied the game at 65, momentarily silencing the home crowd.

Hofstra’s answer came from its backcourt duo. Cruz Davis of Plano, Texas, led the Pride with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists, including a critical three-pointer late in regulation. But it was Deer Park, N.Y., native Preston Edmead who delivered the final blows. The 6-foot-1 guard, Hofstra’s top star, scored a team-high 24 points, with 19 coming after halftime. He calmly sank two free throws with four seconds remaining in overtime to provide the final margin of victory.

The most crucial sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute of the extra period. After Rivera-Torres’ free throws had knotted the score, Hofstra worked the clock. Davis missed a step-back jumper, but Monmouth’s Dok Muordar was called for a foul while battling for the rebound with 4.4 seconds left, sending Edmead to the line. He sank both attempts under pressure.

Monmouth had one final chance. After a timeout, the inbounds pass went to Jack Collins, but his contested three-point attempt from the top of the key as time expired missed off the rim, sealing the win for Hofstra.

The game nearly ended in regulation. Trailing 60-58, Monmouth’s Muordar scored on a putback layup while being fouled with 50 seconds left. He missed the subsequent free throw, leaving the game tied. Hofstra held for the last shot, but Davis’s driving layup was off target, sending the game to an extra period tied at 60.

Both teams displayed tenacious defense throughout, combining for only 11 assists. Hofstra’s size inside, led by Silas Sunday of Lucan, Ireland, who had 11 rebounds and two blocks, impacted numerous shots. Monmouth’s Andrew Ball provided a key secondary option with 13 points, including three three-pointers.

With the win, Hofstra improved to 13-4 overall and continued its strong start to CAA play. The Pride, who were installed as 8.5-point favorites, have now won three straight conference games. Monmouth fell to 8-9, seeing its two-game winning streak snapped despite a heroic effort from Rivera-Torres.

The game’s tempo was methodical, with each team using 72 possessions. Hofstra’s offensive rating of 93.5 edged out Monmouth’s 89.0, reflecting the sloppy, physical nature of the contest. The Pride also won the battle on the offensive glass, grabbing 14 rebounds to Monmouth’s seven, leading to critical second-chance opportunities.

Hofstra next travels to face Stony Brook on Thursday. Monmouth returns home to host Drexel on the same afternoon, with the teams scheduled for a rematch on Long Island on Jan. 31.