Imagine a thrilling college basketball showdown where every second counts, and the outcome hangs in the balance until the final buzzer. That’s exactly what happened when Hofstra edged out Syracuse 70-69 on December 13, 2025, marking their second victory over an Atlantic Coast Conference powerhouse in just one week. But here’s where it gets even more gripping: with only 34 seconds left, German Plotnikov drained a clutch 3-pointer, putting Hofstra ahead 70-68. Syracuse’s Sadiq White Jr. missed a critical free throw with 18 seconds remaining, and Victory Onuetu sealed the deal by blocking Kiyan Anthony’s last-second shot. Talk about a heart-stopping finish!
Cruz Davis, fresh off a career-high 36-point performance against Pittsburgh, led the charge for Hofstra with 22 points, shooting an efficient 8 of 14 from the field and knocking down two 3-pointers. Plotnikov’s late heroics added nine points, all from beyond the arc, while Onuetu dominated the boards with 11 rebounds and four blocks. Preston Edmead and Jaeden Roberts also contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively, showcasing Hofstra’s balanced attack.
For Syracuse, J.J. Starling topped the scoring with 15 points, while William Kyle III added 13. White, Anthony, and Nate Kingz each chipped in 12 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Hofstra’s late-game resilience. The Orange led 37-36 at halftime and extended their advantage to 45-38 early in the second half, only for Hofstra to respond with a game-changing 19-4 run, capped by Plotnikov’s 3-pointer, giving them a 57-49 lead with 10:32 left.
And this is the part most people miss: Syracuse fought back with an 11-0 surge, taking a 68-67 lead with just 56 seconds remaining. But Hofstra’s composure under pressure proved decisive, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
But here’s the controversial question: Did Syracuse’s missed free throws and late-game turnovers cost them the game, or was it Hofstra’s clutch execution that sealed their victory? Let’s spark a debate—share your thoughts in the comments!
Looking ahead, Syracuse hosts Mercyhurst on Wednesday, while Hofstra returns home to face Quinnipiac on December 21. For more college basketball updates and AP Top 25 polls, sign up for alerts here and here via the AP News mobile app. Stay tuned to the action at AP college basketball and college basketball hub.
