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Drexel defeats Hofstra on Massenat heave

Drexel's Frantz Massenat. (Charles Fox/Staff Photographer)

GALLERY: Drexel's Frantz Massenat. (Charles Fox/Staff Photographer)

By Matt Ehalt, For The Inquirer

Posted: January 24, 2013

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - Before each Drexel men's basketball game, the team attempts half-court shots to wrap up its shootaround. On Wednesday, before the Dragons met Hofstra, the shooting ended prematurely when assistant coach Bobby Jordan sank his shot.

That kept Frantz Massenat from getting his heave.

"Good thing," the junior guard said. "Maybe I saved it."

Massenat connected on his lone half-court shot at the end of regulation and beat the buzzer to give Drexel a dramatic, 55-52 win over Hofstra at the Mack Sports Complex. There was debate about whether Massenat walked, but Drexel (7-11, 3-3 Colonial Athletic Association) has its first winning streak of the year.

"You see it in movies like all the time, the time goes off and then you see it go in," said Massenat, who tied Damion Lee for the team high of 14 points. ". . . My teammates ran on the court so it was just all good for me."

After surrendering a three-pointer with six seconds left that tied the game at 52, Drexel drew up a play in which Massenat would catch the ball at half-court. Two guards would cut on the wings, with Massenat having the option to shoot as well.

The play never developed as two defenders for Hofstra (5-14, 2-4) swarmed Massenat near the sideline, and he lost his dribble. Knowing the clock was nearing zero, he split the defenders and chucked the ball toward the hoop.

"Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good," Drexel coach Bruiser Flint said. "Because we weren't good tonight, but we were sure enough lucky."

Hofstra coach Mo Cassara said he thought Massenat might have traveled. The junior said he did not know if he took an extra step.