BROOKLYN, N.Y.—  The LIU women's basketball team took on a tough Hampton squad in its final LIU Classic matchup.
 
The Sharks jumped out to an early lead but the Lady Pirates fought back and tied the game at half. Coming out of the break, LIU jumped all over Hampton and erupted for a 12-point lead.
 
Hampton kept itself in it, but the Sharks were focused and never lost the lead again. A clutch stretch of free throws by Mariah Elohim and buckets by Ashley Austin gave LIU a 60-53 victory.
 
Elohim had her best game of the season, scoring a team-high 19 points while also contributing six rebounds and an assist.
 
Austin continued her great play, scoring 16 on a 7-10 shooting night. The senior leader also added four assists and three rebounds.
 
Emaia O'Brien and Samantha Bailey were tied for the team lead in rebounds with eight. O'Brien also had a team-high six assists.
 
The Sharks return to the court on Thursday when they take on Saint Peter's at 7 p.m. in the Steinberg Wellness Center.