The wait is over. After nearly 20 years without a bid to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Hofstra is headed back to the dance.

The Pride knocked off Northeastern, 70-61, in the Colonial Athletic Association championship game Tuesday night at Entertainment and Sports Arena in the nation's capital.

It will be the first time Hofstra will play in March Madness since 2001, when current Villanova coach Jay Wright led the team.

 

The win finally marks Hofstra getting over some near misses in recent years with talented players, including NBA draftee Justin Wright-Foreman.

Senior guard Desure Buie led the way with 20 points and was named the tournament's most outstanding player. Eli Pemberton followed closely behind with 19.

The tourney berth marks head coach Joe Mihalich's first conference title since coming to Hofstra in 2013, and his first appearance overall since the 2007 NCAA Tournament with Niagara.

The Pride now will await their first round opponent, which will be chosen this upcoming Sunday. ESPN's Joe Lunardi projects Hofstra to be a No. 14 seed and play Seton Hall University.