LIU Sharks Edge Blue Devils in Close Matchup
Friday, January 2, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Brooklyn Athletic Center
Long Island University Sharks 84, Central Connecticut Blue Devils 78, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Central Connecticut Blue Devils vs Long Island University Sharks?
Long Island University Sharks beat Central Connecticut Blue Devils 84-78 at Brooklyn Athletic Center on January 2, 2026.
Who was favored in Central Connecticut Blue Devils vs Long Island University Sharks?
Long Island University Sharks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -250 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling NCAAB matchup, the Long Island University Sharks triumphed over the Central Connecticut Blue Devils with a final score of 84-78 at the Brooklyn Athletic Center. This victory marks a significant moment for the Sharks, who have been struggling with a three-game losing streak prior to this win. With this result, LIU improved its overall record to 8-7, while Central Connecticut fell to 6-7.
The Sharks entered the game with a home record of 7-7, showcasing a mixed performance over their last ten games with a record of 4-6. They had averaged 75.9 points scored while allowing 80.5 points per game during this stretch. In contrast, the Blue Devils had a slightly better record of 5-5 in their last ten games, averaging 75.4 points scored and allowing 73.2 points. This contest was crucial for both teams as they sought to gain momentum in their respective seasons.
Historically, the Sharks and Blue Devils have faced each other twice in the current season, splitting the series with each team winning one game. In their previous encounters, the Sharks won 54-52 on January 12, 2025, while the Blue Devils claimed a 63-50 victory on January 31, 2025. This fixture was thus a chance for LIU to assert dominance at home and even the score.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either team, suggesting both sides were at full strength for this critical matchup. The betting odds provided by DraftKings indicated LIU as the favorite, with a spread of -6.5 and a total set at 146.5. The home moneyline was listed at -250, while the away moneyline stood at +205, reflecting the market's confidence in the Sharks to secure a win.
The game conditions were typical for indoor basketball, with no adverse weather factors influencing play. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, with several key plays shaping the outcome. Notably, Malachi Davis played a crucial role for LIU, contributing significantly in the closing moments by making multiple free throws to seal the victory.
As the game progressed, the Sharks maintained a narrow lead, with the Blue Devils fighting hard to close the gap. Key moments included Greg Gordon's driving layup and Jay Rodgers' impressive three-pointer that kept Central Connecticut within striking distance. However, LIU's ability to execute under pressure, particularly at the free-throw line, ultimately made the difference.
This matchup not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also highlighted the Sharks' resilience in overcoming recent struggles. With this win, LIU aims to build on this momentum as they continue their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LIU -6.5 | 146.5 o -108 / u -112 | Central Connecticut Blue Devils +205 · Long Island University Sharks -250 |
Leaders
- PointsMalachi Davis23Long Island University Sharks
- AssistsMalachi Davis8Long Island University Sharks
- ReboundsMason Porter-Brown12Long Island University Sharks
- PointsDarin Smith Jr.23Central Connecticut Blue Devils
- AssistsJay Rodgers14Central Connecticut Blue Devils
- ReboundsMax Frazier8Central Connecticut Blue Devils
Recent form
Long Island University Sharks
Last 10: 4-6Streak L375.9 scored · 80.5 allowed per game2-1 at home
- L74-89at Georgia BulldogsDec 30
- L79-86at Florida International PanthersDec 20
- L83-87at Mississippi State BulldogsDec 17
- W70-60vs La Salle ExplorersDec 13
- W87-82at Lehigh Mountain HawksDec 6
- L92-94vs Winthrop EaglesDec 3
- W75-61at Missouri State BearsNov 25
- L58-98at Illinois Fighting IlliniNov 22
- L53-69at Fordham RamsNov 21
- W88-79vs James Madison DukesNov 16
Central Connecticut Blue Devils
Last 10: 5-5Streak L175.4 scored · 73.2 allowed per game3-4 away
- L70-84vs Fairfield StagsDec 19
- W84-67at Binghamton BearcatsDec 13
- L56-73at Northeastern HuskiesDec 7
- L61-77at Seton Hall PiratesDec 4
- W122-57vs Johnson & Wales GriffinsNov 30
- W108-106vs Sacred Heart PioneersNov 25
- W67-54at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsNov 21
- L77-84at Massachusetts MinutemenNov 16
- W60-59at Boston College EaglesNov 12
- L49-71at Quinnipiac BobcatsNov 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Island University | 24-11 | - | 15-3 |
| Central Connecticut | 18-12 | 3 | 12-6 |
| Mercyhurst | 17-17 | 5 | 10-8 |
| Le Moyne | 15-17 | 5 | 10-8 |
| New Haven | 14-17 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Wagner | 14-17 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Stonehill | 12-21 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson | 11-21 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Saint Francis | 7-24 | 10 | 5-13 |
| Chicago State | 7-25 | 10 | 5-13 |
Box score
| Stat | Central Connecticut Blue Devils | Long Island University Sharks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-53 | 30-62 |
| Field goal % | 55 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 8-16 | 11-25 |
| Three-point % | 50 | 44 |
| Free throws | 12-16 | 13-20 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 25 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 19 |
| Defensive rebounds | 16 | 17 |
| Assists | 17 | 21 |
| Steals | 2 | 6 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 5 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 36 |
| Fouls | 15 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 33 | 62 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-46Darin Smith Jr. makes 29-foot three point jumper (Melo Sanchez assists)
- 2nd Half45-48Mason Porter-Brown makes layup (Jamal Fuller assists)
- 2nd Half45-49Mason Porter-Brown makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half45-50Mason Porter-Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-50Max Frazier makes layup (Jay Rodgers assists)
- 2nd Half47-52Jamal Fuller makes layup (Caleb Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half50-52Elijah Parker makes 27-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half50-55Mason Porter-Brown makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jamal Fuller assists)
- 2nd Half52-55Darin Smith Jr. makes 20-foot jumper (Elijah Parker assists)
- 2nd Half52-56Jamal Fuller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-57Jamal Fuller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-57Max Frazier makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-59Greg Gordon makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half56-59Jay Rodgers makes 27-foot three point jumper (James Jones assists)
- 2nd Half56-62Malachi Davis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jamal Fuller assists)
- 2nd Half58-62Max Frazier makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half58-64Greg Gordon makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Malachi Davis assists)
- 2nd Half61-64Roddy Jones makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jay Rodgers assists)
- 2nd Half61-67Malachi Davis makes 31-foot three point jumper (Mason Porter-Brown assists)
- 2nd Half62-67Max Frazier makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-67Ashton Reynolds makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half64-69Mason Porter-Brown makes layup
- 2nd Half67-69Jay Rodgers makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half67-72Malachi Davis makes 27-foot three point jumper (Greg Gordon assists)
- 2nd Half68-72Ashton Reynolds makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-72Ashton Reynolds makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-72Max Frazier makes layup (Jay Rodgers assists)
- 2nd Half71-73Caleb Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-74Caleb Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-76Caleb Johnson makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half72-76Jay Rodgers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-78Jamal Fuller makes 3-foot dunk (Malachi Davis assists)
- 2nd Half72-80Greg Gordon makes driving layup (Malachi Davis assists)
- 2nd Half75-80Jay Rodgers makes 28-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half77-80Ashton Reynolds makes layup (Jay Rodgers assists)
- 2nd Half78-80Ashton Reynolds makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half78-81Malachi Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-82Malachi Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-83Malachi Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-84Malachi Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Long Island University Sharks, below favours Central Connecticut Blue Devils.
Venue
- Brooklyn Athletic CenterBrooklyn, NY
- Attendance321
- OfficialsJosh Burton, Vasili Mallios, Raymond Downs
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond