BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The LIU Brooklyn men's basketball team hosts the 43
rd annual Battle of Brooklyn game in the Steinberg Wellness Center Thursday night, taking on St. Francis Brooklyn in a contest that will air on ESPN3. The two teams, who have been battling for borough bragging rights since 1928, will tip off for the second time this season at 8 p.m.
The Blackbirds, who will be defending their Battle of Brooklyn title after winning it 82-45 last season, lead the all-time BOB series, 24-18.
Thursday's game will feature two promotions for LIU students: the first 200 students get a free t-shirt, as a part of the WHITE OUT THE WRAC initiative, while there will also be a Smashburger coupon giveaway.
NOTES FROM THE NEST
- The Blackbirds will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak heading into the final week of the regular season. LIU has clinched a spot in the postseason tournament, but is unclear on a first round matchup. The Blackbirds are in a two-way tie with FDU for sixth place, just one game behind RMU and two games behind three teams battling for the No.2 spot.
- Most recently, LIU (13-16, 8-8 NEC) fell on the road to league-leading Wagner. After overcoming a significant first half deficit, the Blackbirds would stay locked in with Wagner throughout the second half, as neither team would lead by more than six points. In the end, the Seahawks took the win thanks to late free throws, 78-74. LIU sophomore Julian Batts would lead all scorers with 21 points in the game.
- LIU out-rebounded the Seahawks, 40-29, but had 16 turnovers to Wagner's nine. Wagner would score 19 of their points off of LIU turnovers.
- LIU and SFBK met for the first time this season just last Thursday, and the Terriers took the win on their home court, 84-79. The contest was one of runs, as the score would tie nine times, and the lead changed hands 11 times.
- Junior Raiquan Clark led LIU in the loss, with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while sophomore Jashaun Agosto had 18 points and eight assists.
- The Blackbirds shot 50.8 percent from the field, but just 26.3 percent from long range. St. Francis shot 48.4 percent from the field, and had 13 three-pointers made, on 29 taken (.448).
- SFBK had three players in double figures, led by Rasheem Dunn. Dunn had 24 points, including going 4-for-7 from three-point range, while freshman Jalen Jordan had 20 points and Mikija Cosic had 12.
- Since that game, SFBK won once more, and stand at 10-6 in the NEC, as a part of the three-way tie for second place.
- Up next, LIU hosts the regular season finale, Saturday, February 24. The Blackbirds will welcome Sacred Heart for a 2 p.m. contest. Prior to the game, LIU will honor the three graduating members of the team: Zach Coleman, Joel Hernandez and Jamall Robinson.