BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The Long Island University men's basketball team will host the University of Massachusetts Lowell in their home opener in the Steinberg Wellness Center, this Friday, November 8 at 7 p.m. Playing as the Sharks for the first time at home this season, LIU will take on Lowell in a game that will air on
NEC Front Row and the NEC on the Run app.
SHARK BITES
• Both teams will be looking to bounce back after season-opening losses. The Sharks fell to URI (76-65), while UML fell to in-state rival UMass (79-64).
• The River Hawks completed the 2018-19 campaign with a 15-17 overall record, setting new Division I program records for wins and winning percentage (.469). They return their top three scorers: graduate student guard Christian Lutete (18.7 ppg and 7.6 rpg), graduate student combo guard Josh Gantz (10.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, led the team with 95 assists and 27 blocks), and junior guard Obadiah Noel (14.6 ppg, team-high 40 steals).
• LIU and Lowell have faced off three times in recent years, with UML coming out on top in the most recent matchup - the River Hawks won at home in 2017, 74-66. The squads have also faced off in 2015 and 16, with LIU winning both of those meet ups (82-78 and 84-72).
• The River Hawks are familiar to one face on the LIU bench: sophomore
Alex Rivera, who transferred to LIU this year from Lowell. He will not take on his old team, as he must sit this season out due to NCAA transfer regulations.
• In the season opener against Rhode Island, the Sharks set a new program mark. LIU had 44 three pointers attempted, breaking a record that has stood for over 20 years. The previous record, set in 1997, was 43.
• Senior
Ashtyn Bradley had a career night in LIU's season opener against the Rams.
• The southpaw set new career highs in points (21), rebounds (6), minutes (30), field goals made (7), field goals attempted (18), three pointers attempted (15) and free throws made and attempted (2-3).
UP NEXT
Following Friday's content, LIU will hit the road for over a month, playing seven games in seven different states, beginning with a road trip to take on George Mason, Wednesday, November 13 at 7 p.m.
