BROOKLYN, N.Y.—  The LIU women's basketball team continued NEC play on Friday night when it welcomed Saint Francis U to the Steinberg Wellness Center
 
The Sharks were playing without their leading scorer in Ashley Austin, but that did not pose a problem as they virtually led wire to wire, only trailing 3-2 in the first quarter.
 
LIU jumped out to an 18-point lead and the Red Storm continued to fight, cutting it all the way down to four but clutch plays by Mariah Elohim and Emaia O'Brien would make sure the Sharks were never in any real trouble as they won the game 72-64.
 
Elohim was the leading scorer with 17 points. She also added three assists and a steal.
 
Three other Sharks scored 10+ points as Amaya Dowdy tallied 13 along with O'Brien and Nigera Harkless who each had 12. Dowdy recorded double-double with ten rebounds.
 
Alexzeya Brooks was the team leader in assists with seven.
 
The Sharks return to the court on Sunday at 1 p.m. when they travel to Central Connecticut State.