BROOKLYN, N.Y.— The men's basketball team battles with America East hopefuls UAlbany on Thursday night in the Barclays Center.

The Sharks played a great first half, shooting 53% from the floor, forcing 14 turnovers and taking a four point lead into the locker room.

The game was back forth from there and a pair of clutch threes from Ahmed Essahaty and Jason Steele put LIU up five with less than eight to play.

Unfortunately for LIU, the big shots woke up the Great Danes and a late 15-2 run would be the nail in the coffin for the Sharks as they fell 86-69.

Tai Strickland had his best game of the season, shooting 61.5% from the floor while scoring a team and season-high 27 points. 

Eric Acker scored 10 and had a team-high five assists while Nikola Djapa and Jason Steele were tied with a team-high four rebounds.

The Sharks return to the court next Thursday when they kick off NEC play at home against Wagner.