SportsLine.com Report
March 17, 2000

Round 1: Speedy isn't enough in loss

The Dutchmen were flying in good shape for a few minutes, but when Craig "Speedy" Claxton dislocated a pinky finger, Oklahoma State went on a 12-0 run and ended Hofstra's fine season with an 86-66 win in the East Regional in Buffalo.

Claxton returned and had his usual outstanding game but it was the Cowboys' Desmond Mason who was the winning star. Mason scored 30 points, including eight in the 12-0 run that stretched Hofstra's early deficit.

It was just the second loss in the final 19 games for Hofstra, which was the No. 14 seed in the East.

The Dutchmen didn't have many answers for the bigger, stronger Oklahoma State players. And Claxton's supporting cast didn't provide much help. The Dutchmen shot 36.4 percent.

Claxton finished with 20 points, seven assists and three rebounds but Hofstra could have used even more.

"They just played solid team defense on me," Claxton said. "They caused me to rush a couple of shots. They made it difficult for me to turn the corner. They're a great defensive team."

How They Got There

The Flying Dutchmen had easily the best season in school history, earning a school-record 24 victories and their first ever NCAA Tournament invitation.

In the process, Hofstra captured its first America East regular-season title, which came into play in the conference final against Delaware since it earned the Dutchmen home court advantage after playing the quarter and semifinals in Delaware, the pre-chosen site for the opening rounds of the conference tournament.

In the tournament, the Dutchmen, led by conference Player of the Year Craig "Speedy" Claxton, rolled to two easy victories over Boston University and Drexel before gutting it out against the Blue Hens.

Starting Lineup

• F Roberto Gittens (6-7, 240, Jr.): With Craig Claxton asserting himself as the conference's dominant presence, Gittens' scoring numbers were down (10.4 points per game to 8.4). His shooting percentage, however, improved (.584 from a team-best .496) and he continued to be the team's top rebounder (6.8 per game). For his work, he moved up from third to second-team all-conference. A consistent interior presence who makes life easier for everybody else.
• F/G Norman Richardson (6-5, 200, Jr.): If Hofstra makes another run next year, he'll be the leader, as his scoring numbers continued to increase this year, from 8.7 points as a freshman and 13.9 last season to 15.8 as the team's second option. If an opposing team sells out on stopping Claxton, Richardson will make them pay, scoring 27 points against Delaware, 25 against Hartford, 23 against Rutgers and 20 against Fordham. Notice a pattern here? Richardson has his biggest games against the toughest teams. Was named second-team All-AE.
• C Greg Springfield (6-9, 235, Jr.): One of the last options on offense, the Western Kentucky transfer is largely around to swat shots (1.7 per game, including 10 against New Mexico State) and pull down rebounds (6.1 per game).
• G Craig Claxton (5-11, 180, Sr.): The conference player of the year, "Speedy" does it all for the Dutchmen, averaging 22.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists. Scored 40 points in consecutive games this season against Hartford and Maine, and dropped 39 on Iona. An NBA prospect, Claxton is a defensive nuisance, averaging 3.3 steals.
• G Jason Hernandez (6-0, 190, Jr.): The New Hampshire transfer wasn't popping treys at quite the same frequency as he did last year (an outrageous 46 percent), but still connected at a 41.7-percent clip and chipped in 9.9 points and 2.5 assists per game. While Claxton freelances, breaking down defenses, Hernandez camps and waits for the kick out. He will be the point guard next year, but will need to cut back on his 2.3 turnovers per game.

Keys to Success

It all starts with Claxton, a two-time conference Player of the Year and a three-time all-conference first team selection. He was among the top 10 in the nation this season in both points and steals and was second in the conference in assists.

He can also rebound and plays some of the best defense in the conference. If he's struggling, something that didn't happen often this season, Richardson can score with anyone, averaging almost 16 points this season. One problem Hofstra tends to have is rebounding, as evidenced by the 5-foot-11 Claxton being among the team's leaders.

The Coach

After five seasons turning the program around, coach Jay Wright took the Dutchmen to the next level this season, earning conference Coach of the Year honors in the process. After three losing seasons, the Dutchmen have won 19, 22, and now 24 games the past three. The former Rollie Massimino assistant at UNLV and Villanova has recruited solid players over his tenure, but will need another strong class to continue Hofstra's winning ways next season.

The Bench

Like most small conference teams, the bench lacks depth, but freshman guard Rick Apodaca, averaging almost eight points per game, earned a spot on the AE's all-newcomer team. Freshman center Lars Grubler, at 6-foot-11, also sees minutes.

Offense

The Dutchmen aren't the highest scoring team in the country, averaging around 70 points a game, but they can turn it up at times, breaking 90 points four times this season. In most games, they like to keep scores in the 70's, and play strong defense.

Defense

Claxton leads the defense, averaging over three steals a game The Dutchmen held their opponents below 60 points 15 times this season.