Long Island University secured a 67-63 win over Saint Francis at the Steinberg Wellness Center, thanks in large part to a strong performance from Jamal Fuller. The Sharks' guard poured in 23 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, helping his team overcome a strong first-half showing from the Red Flash.
At halftime, Saint Francis held a 38-31 lead, with Skylar Wicks leading the charge with 13 points. However, Long Island University came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Red Flash 36-25 to take the lead and secure the win. Greg Gordon was also instrumental in the Sharks' victory, contributing 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Caleb Johnson added 11 points and 9 rebounds.
Skylar Wicks finished with 21 points for Saint Francis, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack from Long Island University. Ralph Martino Jr. and Victor Payne also chipped in with 15 and 10 points, respectively, but the Red Flash couldn't sustain their momentum from the first half.
The game was a closely contested affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout. However, Long Island University's ability to adjust and make key plays in the second half ultimately made the difference. The Sharks' win improves their record to 12-8, while Saint Francis falls to 6-14.
This matchup was a Quadrant 4 game for Long Island University, which means it was a game they were expected to win. While the Sharks didn't dominate, they showed resilience and determination in coming from behind to secure the victory. For Saint Francis, this was a Quadrant 3 game, and although they didn't pull off the upset, they demonstrated that they can compete with more highly ranked opponents.
The win is a significant one for Long Island University's resume, as it helps to bolster their tournament chances. With a current net ranking of 202, the Sharks are still on the outside looking in, but a strong finish to the season could put them in contention for a postseason berth. For Saint Francis, the loss is a setback, but they can take heart from their performance and look to build on it in their upcoming games. As it stands, the Red Flash have a lot of work to do to improve their tournament prospects, but they've shown flashes of potential that could make them a dangerous opponent in the future.