Richmond, VA -- (Sports Network) - Josh Thornton scored 22 points and Tony Durant added 20 as Towson beat Hofstra, 81-66, in the first round of the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament at Richmond Coliseum.

C.C. Williams chipped in 14 points and six steals for the ninth-seeded Tigers (13-17), who have won three of four and advance to play top-seeded Virginia Commonwealth in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Antoine Agudio scored 27 points for the Pride (12-18), who finished their season having lost two of three. Charles Jenkins added 14 for Hofstra, which shot just 37.9 percent.

Towson used tenacious defense, holding Hofstra to 4-of-29 (13.8 percent) shooting on its way to a commanding 31-13 lead at the half.