Niagara University Stuns Sliding LIU at Barclays Center

Jerome Frink (Photo via LIU Athletics)

In the nightcap of the LIU basketball double header, the men’s team also suffered a defeat like their female counterparts.

A well balance attack by Niagara University, lead them to a 75-66 road win over LIU at Barclays Center on Wednesday Night. This was the Blackbirds third straight lost.

Iverson Fleming led the Blackbirds with 15 points and four steals, while Jerome Frink had 12 points, on 5-of-21 shooting, and 13 rebounds. Jashaun Agosto added 14 points and Nura Zanna had 13 points and seven rebounds.

Niagara University had a few players, whom were eagerly looking forward to returning to Brooklyn. Brooklyn natives Matt Scott and Marvin Prochet  had solid games. Scott shared game-high honors in scoring with 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. Prochet scored 13 points, had seven rebounds and two blocks.

Niagara University flipped a 12-5 deficit six minutes into the game into a 21-16 lead behind a 16-4 run in a six-minute span. Most of the first half, was a back and forth grind fest. Niagara University lead 36-34 at the half.

The opening five minutes of the second half had four ties. With the score knotted at 44-44, a  Marvin Prochet free throw broke the tie with 13:18 remaining as Niagara reeled off six straight points for 50-44 lead.

After LIU cut the lead to 50-46, Niagara University’s Chris Barton  drained a 3-pointer to spark a 6-0 run. Eventually the lead blossomed into a 12 point deficit for LIU.  In the second half , the Blackbirds just couldn’t fine their shot. At one point in the second half, LIU went 1-9 from the field.  LIU  struggled with shooting, going 38.6 percent from the field in the loss, and just 18.8 percent from long range.

Bad shooting and getting out rebound 47-32 , usually means you didn’t win the game. LIU Brooklyn has lost five of its last six games, including three in a row. The Blackbirds are currently 7-6. With conference play being in a week, there is still some time to salvage their season and get back on track.