STEWART MANOR, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a Colonial Athletic Association contest defined by defensive struggle and offensive frustration, the Towson Tigers escaped the Mack Sports Complex with a narrow 47-46 victory over the Hofstra Pride in women’s basketball on Friday night.

The game, witnessed by 429 fans, was a low-scoring affair where neither team could establish consistent rhythm. Towson improved to 9-5 overall and in conference play, while Hofstra’s difficult season continued, falling to 3-11.

The contest’s pivotal sequence unfolded in the final 11 seconds. With Towson clinging to a one-point lead, Hofstra’s Nevaeh Brown missed a potential go-ahead jump shot. Towson’s Thalia Shepard secured the critical defensive rebound and was immediately fouled by Micaela Carter with 11.1 seconds remaining.

Shepard missed the first free throw but calmly sank the second to extend the Tigers’ lead to 47-46. Hofstra, out of timeouts, could not advance the ball for a final shot, sealing the Tigers’ hard-fought road win.

The game’s conclusion capped a contest that was a stark contrast of halves. Towson dominated the opening quarter, leveraging its defensive intensity to build a 15-5 lead. The Tigers forced several early Hofstra turnovers and blocked shots, with Kayla Morris providing a significant interior presence.

Hofstra responded emphatically in the second quarter, outscoring Towson 16-6 to knot the game at 21-21 by halftime. The Pride’s surge was fueled by guard Alarice Gooden and a late flurry from Brown, who hit a trio of three-pointers in the frame, including one at the buzzer.

The third quarter saw both teams trade modest runs, with Hofstra taking its first lead since the game’s opening minutes. The period ended dramatically when Towson’s Zoli Khalil was assessed a flagrant 2 foul with 6.6 seconds left, leading to her ejection. Hofstra’s Emma Von Essen made both ensuing free throws, giving the Pride a 36-33 advantage heading into the final quarter.

Towson chipped away in the fourth, retaking the lead on a Semaya Turner layup with 4:28 to play. Hofstra’s Sandra Magolico answered with a layup to put the Pride back up 46-45 with 1:59 remaining, setting the stage for the final, decisive minute.

India Johnston led Towson with 13 points, including two crucial free throws with 4:01 left that gave the Tigers a lead they would not relinquish. Semaya Turner added 7 points and several key rebounds, while Tilda Sjökvist distributed 4 assists.

For Hofstra, Nevaeh Brown shouldered the offensive load with a game-high 17 points. Alarice Gooden contributed 11 points and 2 assists, and Sandra Magolico recorded a double-double with 10 points, 2 assists, and 2 blocks, anchoring the Pride’s defense.

Both teams struggled mightily from the field in a game characterized by physical defense and missed opportunities. The victory extends Towson’s winning streak to three games as they prepare to host UNC Wilmington on Sunday. Hofstra, still seeking traction in conference play, travels to face Drexel on Sunday. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in a rematch at Towson on Jan. 23.