Easton, P.A. — LIU fell short of its first win of the inaugural Lafayette Classic, losing 75-70 to Binghamton in overtime on Saturday afternoon.

The Sharks looked strong early, opening up the game with steady defensive pressure and a 6-0 lead. LIU managed to take an eight-point lead into halftime, up 32-24. The charge was led by Terell Strickland, who leads the NEC with 4.7 assists per game and had already dished out four by halftime to go along with 6 early points on a perfect 3 of 3 start from the field.
 
As Binghamton inched its way back later in the game and erased its opponent's lead, LIU held its own thanks to a monster second half (and overtime period) from Jamal Fuller. The senior had his best game of the season, and scored 22 points in the second half and overtime period to finish with season-highs of 27 points and 10 rebounds. Fuller was doing it all against Binghamton, shooting 9 of 15 from the field and connecting on three shots from long range (including one clutch dagger with 1:43 remaining in overtime to help get LIU back within one point as the Bearcats attempted to pull away). 

After Fuller's timely three-pointer, Binghamton still led 67-66 and closed out the game on an 8-4 run by answering the big man's three with a quick bucket and free-throws that followed in the game's remaining seconds.

Following his impressive first half start, Strickland also finished with season-highs of 17 points and 8 assists for the Sharks.
 
LIU will play its third and final game of the Lafayette Classic on Sunday, Dec. 1 against Niagara at 12 p.m.