BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The Long Island University men's basketball team is gearing up to face off with the defending Northeast Conference champions this weekend. The Sharks (6-9, 1-1 NEC) will host local rival Fairleigh Dickinson (3-11, 1-2 NEC) as a part of a doubleheader with the women's team, Saturday, January 11 in the Steinberg Wellness Center. The men's game is slated to tip off at 4:30 p.m.
SHARK BITES
- LIU picked up its first Northeast Conference win at home Thursday night in the Steinberg Wellness Center, beating Central Connecticut State, 90-78. The win was a total team effort, as five players scored in double digits, and the Sharks powered past a feisty CCSU team (1-15, 0-3).
- Senior Raiquan Clark was the team's top scorer, as he had 22 points, going 7-for-10 from the field, and 8-for-11 from the free throw line.
- Senior Julian Batts was a danger from long distance Thursday, as he had a season-high 20 points, including shooting 6-for-9 from three-point range. He also had six rebounds and three assists.
- Junior Ty Flowers was a box-score filler for the Sharks once more, as he had 19 points, 9 rebounds, five assists and a steal. And sophomores Virshon Cotton and Jermaine Jackson Jr. each had 12 points in the win.
- The Sharks shot 54.7 percent from the field in the win, and 77.3 percent from the free throw line.
- LIU's all-time history with the Knights is practically dead even. In a series that dates back to 1950, the two teams are locked in a battle, with FDU taking the slight edge, 54-53. In true fashion, last season, the two teams split the series, each winning on their home court in incredibly close games. Last year, LIU won in Brooklyn, 79-77, before falling on the road in Teaneck, 80-77.
- This season, the Knights have four players averaging in double digits, led by preseason All-NEC selection Jahlil Jenkins' 16.0 points per game. Senior forward Kaleb Bishop (13.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg), junior guard Xzavier Malone-Key (13.3 ppg) and junior forward Elyjah Williams (11.6 ppg) round out the team's top point producers.
- Up next for LIU is a midweek battle against the Sharks' closest rivals, facing off against St. Francis Brooklyn, Wednesday, January 15 in a contest that will air on SNY.
