Sharks Edge Cougars in Close Contest
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Brooklyn Athletic Center
Long Island University Sharks 79, Chicago State Cougars 75, 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 Chicago State Cougars vs Long Island University Sharks?
Long Island University Sharks beat Chicago State Cougars 79-75 at Brooklyn Athletic Center on March 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Chicago State Cougars vs Long Island University Sharks?
Long Island University Sharks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -425 (about 81% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Long Island University Sharks defeated the Chicago State Cougars 79-75 at the Brooklyn Athletic Center. This victory marks a continuation of LIU's strong performance this season, extending their home record to 23-10 overall and maintaining their recent momentum with a two-game winning streak. The Sharks have shown impressive form, winning eight of their last ten games, averaging 72.4 points scored while allowing only 64.1 points per game during this stretch.
Conversely, the Cougars, who have struggled throughout the season with a record of 7-25, have faced challenges in recent games, losing their last two and posting a 5-5 record over their last ten outings. They averaged 66.5 points scored and allowed 68.4 points during this period. Chicago State's away record stands at 1-4, reflecting their difficulties on the road.
The matchup was significant not only for its implications for both teams' standings but also due to their recent history. This was the second meeting between the Sharks and Cougars in just over a week, with LIU previously winning 73-56 on February 27. Historically, the Sharks have dominated this rivalry, winning four of the last five encounters, including three consecutive victories in the current season.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams have had their share of challenges throughout the season. The market had priced the Sharks as favorites, with DraftKings listing them at -10.5 on the spread and -425.0 on the moneyline, while the Cougars were set at +330.0. The total for the game was set at 137.5, with the over at -112.0 and the under at -108.0.
The game conditions were typical for a late-season basketball matchup, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths. LIU's home advantage has been notable, as they have maintained an undefeated home record in their last five games, while Chicago State has struggled away from home, with only one win in their last five road games.
As the game unfolded, the Sharks managed to hold off a late charge from the Cougars. Key moments included a series of free throws from Jamal Fuller, who contributed significantly to the Cougars' scoring in the second half. The Sharks maintained their lead through crucial plays, including a layup by Stephen Byard that kept the momentum in their favor.
Overall, the matchup showcased the Sharks' resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while the Cougars continued to seek consistency as they approach the end of the season. With the final score of 79-75, LIU solidified their position and continued their push for a strong finish in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LIU -10.5 | 137.5 o -112 / u -108 | Chicago State Cougars +330 · Long Island University Sharks -425 |
Leaders
- PointsMason Porter-Brown21Long Island University Sharks
- AssistsMalachi Davis6Long Island University Sharks
- ReboundsGreg Gordon7Long Island University Sharks
- PointsStephen Byard22Chicago State Cougars
- AssistsCJ Ray5Chicago State Cougars
- ReboundsStephen Byard12Chicago State Cougars
Recent form
Long Island University Sharks
Last 10: 8-2Streak W272.4 scored · 64.1 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W74-60vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsFeb 28
- W73-56vs Chicago State CougarsFeb 27
- L83-91at Mercyhurst LakersFeb 21
- W91-89at Saint Francis Red WolvesFeb 20
- W83-65vs Wagner SeahawksFeb 17
- L52-55at New Haven ChargersFeb 14
- W67-57at Wagner SeahawksFeb 13
- W61-54vs Stonehill SkyhawksFeb 7
- W60-55vs New Haven ChargersFeb 6
- W80-59at Central Connecticut Blue DevilsJan 31
Chicago State Cougars
Last 10: 5-5Streak L266.5 scored · 68.4 allowed per game1-4 away
- L61-80at Wagner SeahawksFeb 28
- L56-73at Long Island University SharksFeb 27
- W70-51vs Central Connecticut Blue DevilsFeb 21
- L59-60vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsFeb 20
- L63-81at Le Moyne DolphinsFeb 14
- W68-55vs Stonehill SkyhawksFeb 13
- W80-75vs Saint Francis Red WolvesFeb 9
- W63-57at New Haven ChargersFeb 7
- L67-78at Central Connecticut Blue DevilsFeb 6
- W78-74vs Mercyhurst LakersJan 31
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 | Chicago State Cougars | Long Island University Sharks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-53 | 26-49 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 5-15 | 7-14 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 50 |
| Free throws | 18-25 | 20-25 |
| Free throw % | 72 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 26 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 15 | 18 |
| Assists | 14 | 14 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 2 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 36 |
| Fouls | 20 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 3 | 92 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-48Doyel Cockrill III makes driving layup (CJ Ray assists)
- 2nd Half41-50Jomo Goings makes driving layup (Greg Gordon assists)
- 2nd Half43-50Stephen Byard makes layup (CJ Ray assists)
- 2nd Half44-50Stephen Byard makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half46-50Doyel Cockrill III makes 14-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half46-52Jomo Goings makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half46-54Jomo Goings makes driving layup (Malachi Davis assists)
- 2nd Half49-54Doyel Cockrill III makes 22-foot three point jumper (Braelon Bush assists)
- 2nd Half50-54Doyel Cockrill III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half53-54Doyel Cockrill III makes 25-foot three point jumper (Braelon Bush assists)
- 2nd Half53-55Jamal Fuller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-56Jamal Fuller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-58Mason Porter-Brown makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half54-58CJ Ray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-58CJ Ray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-60Caleb Johnson makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half57-60CJ Ray makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half57-61Mason Porter-Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-62Mason Porter-Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-62Marcus Tankersley makes layup (CJ Ray assists)
- 2nd Half59-65Jomo Goings makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jamal Fuller assists)
- 2nd Half60-65Doyel Cockrill III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65Doyel Cockrill III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-66Greg Gordon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-66CJ Ray makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half65-66Doyel Cockrill III makes 16-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half65-68Mason Porter-Brown makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-68Stephen Byard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-68Stephen Byard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-71Mason Porter-Brown makes 26-foot three pointer (Jomo Goings assists)
- 2nd Half70-71Braelon Bush makes 23-foot three point jumper (Marcus Tankersley assists)
- 2nd Half70-73Jamal Fuller makes 10-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half70-74Jamal Fuller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-75Jamal Fuller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-75Stephen Byard makes layup (Doyel Cockrill III assists)
- 2nd Half72-77Jamal Fuller makes driving layup
- 2nd Half73-77Stephen Byard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-77Stephen Byard makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half75-78Jamal Fuller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-79Jamal Fuller makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Long Island University Sharks, below favours Chicago State Cougars.
Venue
- Brooklyn Athletic CenterBrooklyn, NY
- Attendance886
- OfficialsSteve Ruppenthal, Greg Moyer, Jason Stallworth
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