BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The LIU men's basketball team opened up its season at home against Air Force on Friday afternoon.
 
The Sharks got off to a great start, grabbing an early lead and hung tough until Air Force caught fire from three. Not every call or bounce went the Sharks' way and the Falcons opened it up at the end of the first half.
 
LIU kept battling, but there was not enough time left on the clock and the Sharks fell 82-67.
 
R.J. Greene led the team with 12 points while also contributing seven rebounds.
 
Terell Strickland and Tana Kopa impressed in their LIU debuts. Strickland contributed 11 points, five assists and three rebounds while Kopa recorded his first Division I double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
 
Eric Acker, Gezim Bajrami and Nikola Djapa all made their collegiate debuts in the games.
 
The Sharks return to the court on Monday when they kick off their California road trip against Pepperdine in Malibu at 10 p.m.