BROOKLYN, N.Y. — LIU opened the inaugural Lafayette Classic with a 75-56 loss to host Lafayette.

The Sharks started strong with an 8-0 run, holding the Leopards scoreless for the first 4:44 with stingy defense. Lafayette battled back to take a 16-15 lead on free throws at the 10:23 mark in the first half. The teams traded leads until the Leopards went on a 14-4 run to close the half with a 35-26 advantage.

Blake Lander led all LIU scorers in the first half, connecting on 4 of 8 from the field and 3 of 5 from 3-point range for 11 points.

In the second half, the Sharks struggled offensively, shooting 11 of 30 from the field and 2 of 9 from beyond the arc. A layup by Jamal Fuller cut the deficit to seven points with 10:08 remaining before Lafayette responded with a 7-3 run.

Malachi Davis led all LIU scorers with 16 points on 6 of 15 shooting. Lander added four points in the second half to finish with 15.

The Sharks return to action on Saturday, Nov. 30, against Binghamton at 2 p.m.