Hofstra ends 25-year NCAA Tournament drought with CAA title win

Freshman Preston Edmead scores season-high 26 points to lead Pride past Monmouth

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Freshman Preston Edmead scored a season-high 26 points as Hofstra Pride defeated Monmouth Hawks 75-69 in the Coastal Athletic Association Tournament championship game on Tuesday night. The victory ends Hofstra's 25-year NCAA Tournament drought, earning the Pride their fifth tournament bid and first since 2001.

Why it matters

Hofstra's return to the NCAA Tournament is a significant milestone for the program, which has struggled to reach the Big Dance since its last appearance in 2001. The win over Monmouth, a team that had won 5 straight games entering the CAA final, showcases Hofstra's ability to win a high-stakes conference tournament game and secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Edmead's 26-point outburst, including a key 3-pointer down the stretch, helped Hofstra hold off a late Monmouth comeback attempt. The Pride led by as many as 6 points in the final minutes before Monmouth cut the deficit to 1, but Hofstra sealed the win with free throws in the closing seconds. Hofstra's German Plotnikov added 10 points, while Monmouth was led by Kavion McClain's 19 points.

  • Hofstra last played in the NCAA Tournament in 2001.
  • Hofstra alum Speedy Claxton has been the head coach since the 2021-22 season.
  • Monmouth entered the CAA final having won 5 straight games.

The players

Preston Edmead

A freshman guard for Hofstra who scored a season-high 26 points in the CAA championship game.

Speedy Claxton

The head coach of Hofstra, who is an alum of the university and has led the team since the 2021-22 season.

Kavion McClain

A player for Monmouth who scored 19 points in the CAA final.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.