Long Island University put on a show at the Steinberg Wellness Center, dismantling Le Moyne 83-61 in a non-conference matchup. The Sharks' victory was fueled by a balanced attack, with three players scoring in double figures. Jamal Fuller led the way with 19 points, while Mason Porter-Brown and Jomo Goings chipped in with 16 points and 6 rebounds each. This dominant performance was a far cry from the predicted 75-71 score, with Long Island University ultimately winning by a convincing 22-point margin.
The first half set the tone for the game, with Long Island University taking a 45-35 lead into the break. The Sharks' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Fuller and Porter-Brown combining for 23 points in the opening stanza. Le Moyne, on the other hand, struggled to find its rhythm, with Tennessee Rainwater's 10 first-half points being a rare bright spot. Rainwater would go on to finish with a team-high 16 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Sharks' balanced attack.
The second half was more of the same, with Long Island University pushing its lead to as many as 25 points. The Sharks' defense was stifling, holding Le Moyne to just 26 points in the final 20 minutes. Jakai Sanders and Trent Mosquera tried to keep the Dolphins afloat, scoring 14 and 10 points respectively, but it was too little, too late.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Long Island University winning by 4 points, but the Sharks had other plans. Their 22-point margin of victory was a reflection of their dominance on the court. The win improves Long Island University's record to 13-8, while Le Moyne falls to 11-11.
This game had real consequences for both teams' resumes. For Long Island University, the win counts as a Quadrant 4 victory, which may not be the most impressive on paper, but still helps to bolster their tournament chances. On the other hand, Le Moyne's loss is classified as a Quadrant 3 defeat, which could potentially hurt their chances of making a deep postseason run.
As it stands, Long Island University's victory has strengthened their position, even if it wasn't against a top-tier opponent. The Sharks' ability to take care of business against a mid-level team like Le Moyne is a positive sign, and they want to build on this momentum as they continue their season. With a net ranking of 202, Long Island University still has work to do to secure a tournament bid, but this win is a step in the right direction. For Le Moyne, the loss is a setback, but they will have opportunities to redeem themselves in upcoming games. With a net ranking of 253, the Dolphins face an uphill battle to make a postseason push, but they can still make a statement with strong performances in their remaining games.