FAIRFIELD, Conn. — LIU men's basketball hit the road and picked up its first Division I win of the 2022-23 season.
 
The Sharks took down Sacred Heart, 74-70, and picked up their first NEC win as well.
 
The Sharks win came without the presence of leading scorer Marko Maletic, who was out due to illness.
 
After trailing for the entirety of the game, Jacob Johnson cut the lead to one on a layup with 13:09 remaining.
 
Four minutes later, Jake Cook drilled a three to tie the game at 54 and subsequently hit another three to take the first lead of the contest for LIU with 9:17 to go.
 
Andre Washington hit a three of his own and Delancy slammed home a dunk to move the lead to eight, which forced a timeout from the Pioneers.
 
After Washington hit a midrange jumper, Sacred Heart responded and forced a timeout.
 
Freshman Ahmed Essahaty, a midseason addition, had an offensive burst in the first half and scored 10 points on 5-7 shooting.
 
Among other freshmen contributions, C.J. Delancy has continued to improve in his first year of college basketball.
 
The Jonesboro, Ark., native finished with 18 points, which led the team, and nine rebounds.

LIU returns to action Saturday with the Battle of Brooklyn at St. Francis Brooklyn at 7 p.m.