EASTON, Mass. — The LIU women's basketball team traveled up to Stonehill on Thursday night with an NEC Tournament berth on the line. After a Wagner victory earlier in the day, the stakes were simple - win and in, lose and the season was over.

The Sharks started off hot, leading by eight after the first quarter but cooled down in the second as the Skyhawks took a one point lead into the half.

LIU came out firing on all cylinders knowing that a playoff spot was on the line. Ashley Austin made three three-pointers to give the Sharks a five point lead and LIU was off and running. Baskets by Janessa Williams and Mariah Elohim would extend the lead to nine by the end of the half.

The fourth quarter was the Emaia O'Brien show as she scored 11 points and helped lead the Sharks to a 74-65 win and a six seed in the NEC Tournament.

O'Brien's 11 fourth quarter points helped her finish with a career-high 24.

Ashley Austin scored 20, shooting 4-5 from beyond the arc.

Mariah Elohim scored 16 with five rebounds.

Williams led the team with 12 rebounds.

The Sharks will return to the court when they take on three seed FDU on Monday.