Hofstra is heading to the NCAA Tournament after capturing the 2026 CAA Men’s Basketball Championship with a 75–69 win over Monmouth at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. 

The victory gives the Pride their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2001 and caps a memorable run through the conference tournament.

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Here are five things to know about Hofstra as it prepares for March Madness.

1. Hofstra is back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 25 years

The Pride’s championship marks a historic moment for the program. Hofstra last appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 2001, making this their first trip back in a quarter-century. The program actually won the CAA Tournament in 2020, but the NCAA Tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This year’s title officially sends Hofstra back to college basketball’s biggest stage and validates the program’s steady climb in recent seasons.

The nets needed a trim.#PrideOfLI pic.twitter.com/BlGZDvI9zI

— Hofstra Men's Basketball (@HofstraMBB) March 11, 2026

2. Freshman Preston Edmead is the breakout star

Hofstra’s title run was fueled by the emergence of freshman guard Preston Edmead. In the championship game, Edmead poured in a game-high 26 points and controlled the tempo throughout the night. His performance came just one day after he scored 22 points and hit a game-winning three-pointer in overtime against Towson in the semifinals. 

Edmead was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, becoming the first freshman to win the award since UNC Wilmington’s Brett Blizzard in 2000. His ability to create offense and deliver in clutch moments gives Hofstra a dynamic guard heading into the NCAA Tournament.

3. The Pride have multiple contributors around their star guard

While Edmead grabbed the headlines, Hofstra showed depth throughout the championship game. Cruz Davis added 12 points, German Plotnikov chipped in 10, and Silas Sunday anchored the interior with eight points and 12 rebounds. 

That balanced effort was crucial in a tight contest where every possession mattered. With several players capable of stepping up offensively, Hofstra enters the tournament with more than just one scoring option.

4. Hofstra proved it can handle pressure in close games

The championship matchup with Monmouth was competitive from start to finish. After trailing early in the second half, Hofstra responded with a 10–0 run that shifted momentum. Even as Monmouth kept the game within reach late, the Pride delivered key plays when it mattered most. 

Plotnikov knocked down a timely three-pointer, and both he and Davis sealed the victory with clutch free throws in the final seconds. The ability to execute in high-pressure situations could be an important factor once Hofstra reaches the NCAA Tournament.

5. Momentum is on Hofstra’s side

Hofstra enters March Madness riding the momentum of a conference championship and a strong overall record of 24–10. The Pride showed resilience throughout the CAA Tournament, including an overtime semifinal win and a composed performance in the title game. With confidence high and a young star playing at an elite level, Hofstra will look to carry that momentum into the NCAA Tournament as they attempt to make noise on the national stage.

After a long wait since their last NCAA appearance, the Pride are finally dancing again — and with a rising freshman star and a battle-tested roster, Hofstra could be a team capable of surprising opponents when the tournament begins.

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