BROOKLYN, N.Y.— 

Men's basketball kicked off its NEC conference schedule on Thursday night when it hosted Wagner.

The Sharks essentially dominated the first half, shooting 55.9% from the floor and 46.2% from three as they took a 17 point lead into the break.

LIU led by 26 with 12:52 remaining in the game, but that's when Wagner woke up. The Seahawks defense and fast play were able to slow the Sharks down as the 26 point lead suddenly turned into a one point deficit. 

Wagner would not hold that lead for long, however. With 1:13 left in the game graduate guard Tai Strickland pulled up from three and drilled it to give LIU a two point lead. The score would stay at 69-67 for the remainder of the game as a few missed free throws and great defense by Eric Acker on the last play of the game would seal it and give the Sharks their first NEC win.

Strickland was the leading scorer with 23 while also adding two rebounds and three assists.

Eric Acker scored 14 while recording seven rebounds and a team-high seven assists.

Tana Kopa scored 13 with four rebounds and three assists.

Nikola Djapa had his best game of the season, tallying the second double-double of his career. The Serbian freshman scored 12 points and grabbed a season-high 15 rebounds.

The Sharks return to the court on Saturday when they travel to Easton, Mass. to take on Stonehill.