Hofstra holds on for 75-64 win over NJIT

Dec 30, 2013, 09:57 pm

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Dion Nesmith, who scored 20 points, had 8 in the final five minutes as Hofstra held on to defeat NJIT 75-64 Monday night.

Zeke Upshaw had 15 points, Chris Jenkins added 12 and Jamall Robinson had 11 for the Pride.

Hofstra (4-8) jumped out to an early lead, held a 22-9 advantage at the 7:35 mark and led 37-25 at the half.

NJIT (6-10) charged back in the second half, closing to 59-58 with 4:32 remaining following two 3-pointers by Damon Lynn. Nesmith quickly followed that with a 3-point jumper and Zeke Upshaw made two free throws to extend the lead to 64-58. A three-point play by Winfield Willis closed the gap to 64-61 but the Highlanders could get no closer.

Lynn led the Highlanders with 20 points.

Hofstra outrebounded NJIT 39 to 27.