The Long Island University men's basketball team (24-10, 15-3 NEC) is gearing up for an NCAA Tournament first-round matchup against top-seeded Arizona (32-2, 16-2 Big 12) in San Diego. The Sharks claimed the NEC Championship by defeating Mercyhurst 79-70, with both Greg Gordon and Malachi Davis scoring 24 points each. This marks LIU's 8th NCAA Tournament appearance in school history and their first since the 2017-18 season. The game is set for Friday at 1:35 p.m. ET, broadcast on TNT.

By the Numbers
  • LIU scored an average of 74.1 ppg, leading the NEC.
  • Greg Gordon achieved a 56.5% field goal percentage, ranking 4th in the NEC.
Yes, But

While LIU has had a successful season, they face a formidable Arizona team, which boasts a strong record and notable tournament experience, adding pressure to the Sharks.

State of Play
  • LIU won its 7th NEC Tournament title, showcasing their competitive performance this season.
  • Arizona defeated LIU 62-61 in their previous meeting in 1951, signaling a historical advantage for the Wildcats.
What's Next

If LIU can leverage their offensive strengths against Arizona's defense, they may increase their chances of causing an upset in the tournament. Continued strong performances from Gordon and Davis will be crucial.

Bottom Line

LIU's NCAA Tournament entry signifies a pivotal moment for the program, but overcoming a top seed like Arizona will require exceptional execution and resilience from the Sharks.