HACKENSACK, N.J. — Off to an 0-3 start in Northeast Conference play, LIU men's basketball had a tall task on Saturday and faced the conference's best in FDU.
 
The Sharks outscored the Knights in the second half, 52-46. That marked the first time this season that the team outscored a D-I opponent in a half.
 
Despite that note, LIU fell to FDU, 101-89, in a hard-fought game and moved to 2-14 overall and 0-4 in NEC action.
 
With identical numbers from both the floor and the three, LIU turned the ball over 17 times, five more than their opponent. Additionally, they won the rebounding battle, 37-32.

Marko Maletic was 2-2 on threes before the first media timeout and LIU trailed by three.
 
The 6-6 guard connected on five threes in the first half, one below his career high of six that he reached twice at UAlbany and James Madison.
 
Tre' Wood played facilitator in the first half and notched three assists, but FDU's quick spurts of offense gave them an 18-point lead at the break.
 
Despite shooting 44% from the field and 7-15 from deep, FDU was a notch above at a scorching 10-17 mark from three through 20 minutes.
 
The lead grew to as high as 26 to start the second, but LIU hung around and kept things within reach.
 
Maletic, a sophomore from London, Ont., drilled his eighth three to bring the game to within 10 with 3:58 to go. He fouled out 38 seconds later.
 
He finished with eight threes, a new career high, and 29 points.
 
Among other career marks was Wood notching 12 assists. His previous best was nine last season at Sacred Heart on Dec. 29, 2021.
 
The Sharks 89-point output was the most against a D-I opponent this season. Their previous mark was 78 at JMU on Dec. 19.
 
LIU returns to action next Saturday at Saint Francis U. at 4 p.m.