Drexel nips Hofstra 55-52 on half-court shot

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) — Frantz Massenat’s controversial half-court, 3-point heave at the final buzzer gave Drexel a 55-52 victory over Hofstra on Wednesday night in a Colonial Athletic Association thriller.

The shot overshadowed a great performance by Hofstra’s Taran Buie, who scored 29 points and tied a Hofstra single-game record with seven 3-pointers. This, after starting off 1-for-8 from the floor.

It was the final play that left Drexel (7-11, 3-3) triumphant and Hofstra (5-14, 2-4) livid.

With the score tied 52-all and the clock winding down, Massenat tried to step through two Hofstra defenders who nearly had him trapped beyond half-court. He launched a prayer from there and the ball swished through the net as the final buzzer sounded.

Hofstra head coach Moe Cassara, his staff and players argued vehemently that Massenat traveled to get off the shot. But the officials conferred, and disagreed.

Damion Lee had 14 points for Drexel.