BROOKLYN, N.Y.— The Long Island University women's basketball team capitalized on a big third quarter to earn a 66-52 win over Wagner on Saturday afternoon at the Steinberg Wellness Center. The Sharks improved to 7-9 in league play and clinched a berth in the 2020 Northeast Conference Tournament with the victory.

 Prior to the contest, LIU honored its graduating members of the women's basketball program in graduate student Drew Winter and team manager Danielle Bray.

The Sharks were led offensively with three scorers in double-digits against the Seahawks. Sophomore Shyla Sanford tallied a team and career-high 14 points and dished out five assists. Junior Jeydah Johnson added 13 points along with seven boards and three assists. Sophomore Kiara Bell finished with a near double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.

GAME BREAKDOWN
LIU opened the game strong with the first two baskets of the game by Sanford and junior Mia Perkins. Wagner got going shortly after with a 7-0 run to take a 7-4 lead at the 6:52 mark. The Sharks would shift back momentum with a 10-4 stretch over the next three and a half minutes for a 14-11 lead with 2:44 to go in the quarter. The Seahawks used another 7-0 run to regain the lead, 18-14. LIU used a three in the final seconds by sophomore Ryan Weise to bring the score to 18-17.

Both offense cooled off in the second quarter, combining for 15 points in the frame. Wagner controlled the first couple minutes of the quarter, building up a 24-20 lead. The second part of the quarter was all LIU with a 6-0 stretch to close the half as a layup from Johnson gave the team a 26-24 lead at halftime.

Momentum carried over for LIU in the third quarter with a 25-0 run over the first eight minutes to take complete control of the game. The Sharks made 10 field goals and 4-of-5 from long distance on that run. Johnson tallied eight points and Bell along with junior Zhané Williams added four points as the Sharks took a 51-25 lead by the 1:48 mark in the third.

LIU continued to hold the advantage for the duration of the third quarter and in the final quarter to earn a 66-52 win and split the season series against Wagner.

SHARK BITES

• LIU clinched a berth in the NEC Tournament for the first time since 2018.
• The win also snaps a four-game skid against the Seahawks.
• Sanford set a career-high in scoring with 14 points including a career-high four made three-pointers. She also tied her career and season-high with five assists.
• Johnson finished in double figures for the 15th time this season with 13 points in the win. She also tied her season-high with seven boards.
• Bell recorded her 16 game with double figures with 10 points on the day. She also chipped in a team-high nine boards and three blocks.
• The Sharks controlled the battle on the glass, out rebounding Wagner, 42-37.
• LIU's defense registered double-digit steals for the fifth straight game and the 13th time this season. The Sharks totaled 10 steals led by a career-high three from Williams.

UP NEXT

The Sharks close out the remaining two regular season games in the Nutmeg State as they battle for seeding in the NEC Tournament. LIU heads up to New Britain for a Monday night matchup at Central Connecticut State. Tip-off at Detrick Gymnasium is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.