Preview: Monmouth Hawks at Hofstra Pride

STEWART MANOR, N.Y. (Interstat) — A surging Hofstra squad looks to continue its strong start to Colonial Athletic Association play when it hosts a streaky Monmouth team at Mack Sports Complex on Saturday.

The Pride (12-4) have won five straight games, including a 3-0 start in conference action. Their most recent victory was a 78-67 road win at Towson on Thursday, powered by a career-high 32 points from junior guard Cruz Davis. Davis has been on a tear, averaging 24.6 points over his last five contests and logging 40 minutes in three of those outings.

Monmouth (8-8) arrives with momentum after an 81-70 home win over William & Mary on Thursday, which evened its CAA record at 1-1. The Hawks are led by versatile guard Jason RiveraTorres, who is coming off a 19-point, four-assist, three-block performance. Over his last seven games, RiveraTorres has averaged 16.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.7 blocks, showcasing an all-around game crucial to the Hawks’ success.

The matchup features a contrast in season trajectories. Hofstra’s resume includes a notable non-conference road victory at Syracuse and a win at Pittsburgh. Monmouth has shown potential with wins over Princeton and Towson but has struggled for consistency.

Defense will be a key factor. Monmouth held its last two opponents under 70 points, while Hofstra’s offense, averaging 77.1 points per game during its win streak, presents a significant challenge. Containing Davis will be a primary focus for the Hawks, while the Pride must account for RiveraTorres’s ability to impact the game in multiple phases.

This begins a home-and-home series between the programs, who will meet again in West Long Branch, New Jersey, on Jan. 31.

Saturday’s tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST. Hofstra’s next game is at Stony Brook on Jan. 15. Monmouth hosts Drexel on Jan. 15.