STONY BROOK, N.Y. — A late fourth quarter rally propelled by tough defense and clutch offense propelled Stony Brook women's basketball to a 52-49 win in the Battle of Long Island over Nassau County foe Hofstra on Friday night at Stony Brook Arena.

How It Happened
After falling behind 13-10 early, the Seawolves went on a 6-0 run with 1:26 left in the first quarter to take a 16-13 lead into the second quarter.

Stony Brook kept adding to its advantage early in the second, thanks to big plays on both ends by Caitlin Frost, as she hit a three to make 23-16 Seawolves. The Pride responded quickly, battling back to make things a two-point game with 3:16 remaining in the second. 

Despite this, Stony Brook was able to keep its lead intact, going on a 5-0 run starting at the 2:44 mark in the second, highlighted by a three-pointer from Nal'La Bennett, to increase its lead to 32-25. Hofstra cut into the lead with a three-pointer to close the scoring in the first half, as the Seawolves took a 32-28 lead into the break. 

The Pride came out on fire out of the lockerroom going on a 13-0 run to open the third quarter and taking a 41-32 lead with 3:05 remaining. Stony Brook promptly responded with a 6-0 runpunctuated by a basket from Frost, to trim its deficit to 41-38 with 21 seconds to go in the third. Hofstra countered and stretched its lead to 44-38 heading into the fourth.

In the final quarter, the Seawolves continued to battle, scoring the first seven points of the quarter, retaking a 45-44 lead with 6:41 left to play. Hofstra answered right back with five quick points in a little over a minute to take a 49-45 lead with 5:24 remaining. Battling through tough defense and the clock, Stony Brook retook the lead with 1:03 left to play courtesy of a bucket from Janay Brantley.

Hofstra tried to even things up or take the lead several times in the final minute but were continually turned away, as the Seawolf defense held strong and secured the 52-49 victory on their home court.

Stats and notes

• Frost posted 10 points, six rebounds, and two steals in the win.
• Sandra Frau Garcia added 10 points, four assists, and five steals.
• Stony Brook forced 19 turnovers, turning them into 17 points.
• The Seawolf defense held Hofstra scoreless for the final 5:24 of play.
• Stony Brook outscored the Pride 30-24 in the paint.
• Today's game featured 18 different lead changes throughout the course of play.
• Dating back to 2017, the Seawolves have now won 11 out of the last 12 meetings in the Battle of Long Island.

UP NEXT
The Seawolves welcome visiting Monmouth to Stony Brook Arena for a CAA clash on Sunday, February 1. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 pm and will stream live on FloCollege.

For an inside look at the Seawolves women's basketball program, be sure to follow them on Facebook, X, and Instagram.