Cruz Davis shines as Hofstra claims overtime win against Rice

In the beautiful setting of Nassau, Bahamas, on November 29, 2024, Hofstra University faced off against Rice University in a tightly contested basketball game that unfolded as part of the Baha Mar Hoops event. Cruz Davis emerged as a key player for Hofstra, contributing a total of 22 points to help secure a 68-63 win over Rice in an exciting overtime period. The game had been closely matched throughout, with Hofstra entering halftime narrowly leading 31-28. The first half was characterized by a strong performance from TJ Gadsden, who provided the Pride with an advantage by scoring seven points before the break. As the second half progressed, both teams continued to battle fiercely, each making plays to inch closer to victory. It became apparent that neither side was willing to back down, leading to a thrilling moment when the game concluded regulation tied at 56-56. During the final extra period, Hofstra’s Cruz Davis took control, scoring seven of his points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His shooting was precise, finishing the overtime with an impressive efficiency of 2-of-2 from the field and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. Other key players emerged during the game as well; Kijan Robinson contributed 12 points for the Pride, while Michael Graham stood out with 15 rebounds, supplementing Hofstra's efforts on the boards. For the Owls, Trae Broadnax led the scoring with 16 points, while Kellen Amos also made significant contributions with 13 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Despite the loss, Rice’s balanced offense highlighted their competitive nature and the overall prowess of both teams. The match was not only a crucial early-season clash for both teams, sharing records of 5-2 prior to the game, but it also showcased the excitement of college basketball during a prominent tournament. The victory wrapped up an exhilarating night of sports in the Bahamas, reinforcing the importance of performance in such high-stakes games. Hofstra's resilience and teamwork ultimately led them to victory, while Rice will look to regroup and learn from this experience as they continue their season preparation.