The Knights lost to LIU 86-81 on Friday, Feb. 21. This was the Knights’ second consecutive loss in NEC play after losing to Central Connecticut State Tuesday. 

The Knights emerged 8-18 overall with a 6-9 record in the NEC, while LIU improved to 13-15 with an 8-7 record in the NEC.

The Knights were led by preseason All-NEC junior guard Jahlil Jenkins who had 25 points. Senior forward Kaleb Bishop had 18 points and 9 rebounds. Junior forward Elyjah Williams had 17 points and 11 rebounds. Redshirt Junior guard Xzavier Malone Key added 9 points and freshman guard Devon Dunn had 6 points. 

FDU shot 30-69 (43.5%) from the field, 8-23 (34.8%) from three, and 13-20 (65%) from the free-throw line.

The Sharks were led by sophomore guard Jermaine Jackson Jr. who had 21 points. Preseason All-NEC redshirt senior guard/forward Raiquan Clark and redshirt junior forward Ty Flowers both had 20 points. Flowers had 14 boards.

Redshirt sophomore guard Virshon Cotton had 16 points. Senior guard Julian Batts added 6 points. 

LIU shot 28-63 (44.4%) from the field, 12-27 (44.4%) from three, and 18-29 (62.1%) from the free-throw line. 

FDU will try to snap their losing streak as they host Robert Morris on Sunday. Feb. 23 at 3:30 p.m. 

FDU now sits ninth in the NEC standings while LIU is in fifth place and secured a spot in the NEC tournament with this win.

The Knights have three games left in the season and their chances to make the NEC tournament are starting to fade as they hold the last spot. Merrimack is unable to participate in postseason play because this is their first season in Division 1 basketball.

The Knights will have to win out the rest of the season to secure their spot in the playoffs.

                 Kenneth Ramirez Castro

Junior guard Jahlil Jenkins led the Knights with 25 points in the losing effort.