NEW BRITTAIN, Conn. — Northeast Conference play continued for LIU men's basketball on Thursday night.
 
The Sharks traveled to face Central Conn. State and fell, 78-59, and moved to 2-13 overall and 0-3 in NEC action.
 
Despite a slow start, Quion Burns got the offense on the board three minutes into the first half with a deep three.
 
Trailing by five at the half, LIU kept things close by shooting an efficient clip from the line and a tick above 30% from the floor.
 
Marko Maletic was a force in the second half and had a string of buckets to pull the Sharks within four at the first media timeout.
 
The team did not lead throughout the game.
 
Maletic led the Sharks with 15 points. Through 15 games, he has scored in double figures in all but one contest.
 
Washington finished with 12 points, and Jacob Johnson was the other scorer that hit double figures with 11 points and a perfect 5-5 from the charity stripe
 
As a team, LIU shot 40% from the floor and just 26% from downtown.
 
LIU returns to action Saturday at FDU at 1 p.m.