BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The Long Island University women's basketball team (7-6, 2-0 NEC) overcame an early deficit to defeat Chicago State University in the NEC home opener for the Sharks, defeating the Cougars 60-51 in Brooklyn on Sunday. 

LIU found itself down 9-0 through the first three minutes of the game, but a three-pointer by freshman Leila Nuñez got the Sharks on the board. Down 12-3 near the midway point of the first quarter, LIU outscored the Cougars 12-2 over the next five minutes, taking a 15-14 lead on a layup by senior Kadidia Toure. 

Chicago State took the lead back to begin the second quarter, but the game was tied on free throws by Toure, and a transition layup by junior Janessa Williams pushed the Sharks ahead. Each team traded baskets as Chicago State took a 26-24 lead before halftime. 

A made three-pointer by junior Solangelei Akridge gave the Sharks a 27-26 lead over the Cougars, a lead they would not surrender for the rest of the game. The Sharks led 42-40 at the end of the third quarter and outscored the Cougars 18-11 over the final 10 minutes to earn their eventual 60-51 win. 

Toure led all scorers with 14 points, while Akridge (12 points), junior Laura Molnarova (11), and graduate student Kionna Gaines all finished in double figures. Molnarova recorded her second double-double of the season, collecting 10 rebounds in the win. Toure led the Sharks with five assists and two blocks, while Williams had a team-high two steals. 

LIU returns to the floor on Thursday, Jan. 8, traveling to face Mercyhurst University at 6 p.m.