Hofstra's 70-69 victory over Syracuse on December 13, 2025, was a thrilling display of basketball prowess. Cruz Davis led the way with 22 points, while German Plotnikov's clutch 3-pointer in the final seconds sealed the deal. This win marked Hofstra's second triumph over an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team in a week, showcasing their rising dominance in the sport.
Plotnikov's three-point shot with 34 seconds left on the clock gave Hofstra a slender 70-68 lead. Despite Sadiq White Jr.'s missed free throw attempt, Hofstra's defense stepped up, with Victory Onuetu blocking Kiyan Anthony's jump shot to secure the victory. Davis, who had a career-high 36 points in a previous game, showcased his versatility with 8 of 14 field goals and two 3-pointers against Syracuse.
Preston Edmead and Jaeden Roberts contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively, to Hofstra's 8-4 record. Plotnikov scored nine points with three 3-pointers, while Onuetu dominated with 11 rebounds and four blocks. Syracuse, led by J.J. Starling (15 points) and William Kyle III (13 points), struggled to maintain their lead, with White, Anthony, and Nate Kingz each contributing 12 points.
The game's momentum shifted dramatically in the second half. Syracuse led 37-36 at halftime, but Hofstra responded with a 19-4 run, including a Plotnikov 3-pointer, to take a 57-49 lead. However, Syracuse fought back with an 11-0 surge, taking a 68-67 lead with 56 seconds remaining. The final moments were filled with tension and excitement, as both teams battled for the win.
Looking ahead, Syracuse will host Mercyhurst on Wednesday, while Hofstra will play at home against Quinnipiac on December 21. Fans can stay updated with poll alerts and AP Top 25 rankings throughout the season via the AP News mobile app and newsletters.
