Long Island University reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018, but the team’s season came to an end after a 92-58 loss to the University of Arizona on Friday, March 20, concluding one of the best seasons in the program’s recent history.
LIU, a 16-seed, entered the matchup against top-seeded Arizona as heavy underdogs, with the Wildcats favored by nearly 30 points on sports betting sites. Arizona arrived at the tournament with one of the best overall records in the country. The Wildcats set a new program record for regular-season wins with 33 and cruised through the Big 12 Championship Tournament to cap off their season.
Despite the tall task, Rod Strickland, LIU’s head coach, said his team was confident ahead of the game.
“You have to be confident. I mean, there’s no way you can walk into any game feeling like you’re defeated,” Strickland said the day before the NCAA game. “Our goal from the beginning was to win the regular season, win the conference, and then get to the dance, and then make some noise. That’s what it’s all about.
The Sharks won the opening tip-off, but the Wildcats scored first and rushed out to a 6-0 lead less than two minutes in, ultimately setting the tone for the entire first half.
Arizona shot 58% from the field and converted six of its 10 three-point attempts en route to scoring 53 during the first 20 minutes of action. The Sharks shot just 35% from the field and put up a measly 29 points.
And unfortunately for the loyal “Fins-up” crew, who traveled across the country for the NCAA game in San Diego, the Sharks were outscored again 39-29 in the second-half, putting an end to their season.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game; that team is predicted to win the tournament,” Strickland said to reporters after the contest.
Greg Gordon, who was the NEC Defensive Player of the Year and the team’s second-highest scorer during the season, as well as in Friday’s game, said he will remember the times with his teammates and coaches throughout the year.
“This is an unforgettable season for me,” he said.
Strickland said after the loss that he is looking forward to next year and seeing if the team can build upon its success from the 2025-2026 season.
Arizona went on to defeat ninth-ranked Utah State in the Round of 32 on Sunday, March 22, setting up a matchup with fourth-ranked Arkansas in the Sweet 16 on Thursday, March 26.
