HEMPSTEAD, N.Y — Three Huskies racked up double-doubles and the defense kept a pair of potent Hofstra scorers in check as Northeastern pulled off an 81-67 victory over Hofstra in the Mack Sports Complex on Thursday night.
Bolden Brace (14 points, 10 rebounds), Anthony Green (14 points, 12 rebounds) and Vasa Pusica (16 points, 10 assists) all posted huge contributions for Northeastern (14-7, 7-2 CAA). Shawn Occeus also chipped in 16 points.
The Huskies entered the game with the top-rated defense in the conference, and did nothing to relinquish their fearsome title. Hofstra junior Justin Wright-Foreman was held to 20 points on three of 21 shooting despite entering the contest averaging 28 points per game in conference play. Sophomore Eli Pemberton — a 15 point per game scorer — scored just 10 on three of 10 shooting from the floor.
Senior big man Rokas Gustys contributed 13 points (6-6 FG) and 10 rebounds, but he was overshadowed by Northeastern’s Green, who played a season-high 32 minutes.
“We needed Anthony to step up and play a big game and fortunately he rose to the occasion,” NU head coach Bill Coen said after the game.
“He did a great job offensively and defensively.”
The victory — paired with a loss by William and Mary (13-7, 6-3 CAA) at Towson — pushed NU into sole possession of first place halfway through the conference slate.
The Huskies next game is Saturday at 2 p.m. at Drexel (8-14, 2-7 CAA). Matt MacCormack and Michael Petillo will be on the call.