NEW YORK, N.Y. – The LIU women's basketball team got off to a hot start Monday night in Levien Gymnasium, but a tough third quarter made the difference, as the Sharks fell to Columbia University, 65-55.
 
SHARK BITES

• LIU jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the game, eventually widening the lead to 15-4 with help from a fast break three-pointer from Brandy Thomas, and a jumper by Kiara Bell. Columbia started to come back slowly throughout the first period, but LIU held on to the lead, 25-20 after one.
• Despite LIU shooting 55 percent from the field in the second period, Columbia outscored the Sharks, 16-11 in the second, and the two teams were tied, 36-36 heading into the halftime break.
• LIU struggled to make shots in the third period, and saw the home team come from behind to take the lead, 52-43 heading into the fourth and final period.
• The Sharks kept it close in the fourth, scoring 12 points to Columbia's 13, but the damage was done, and the Lions took the win, 65-55.
• Freshman Emaia O'Brien led the team with 15 points, while senior Brandy Thomas had 13 points and three steals.
• Bell and Kennedy Taylor each had eight points while Taylor added three assists and a steal. Erykah Russell led the team with five rebounds.
• Up next, the Sharks return home to host Lafayette, Wednesday, December 22 at 2 p.m.