Arizona dominates LIU in March Madness opener to end best season in 14 years The LIU Sharks’ historic season came to an end in a lopsided NCAA Tournament loss to No. 1 seed Arizona, marking the conclusion of their best campaign in 14 years. The 16th-seeded Sharks fell to the Big 12 champions 92-58 at Viejas Arena, ending a run that included NEC regular-season and postseason titles. Despite the defeat, the team’s journey to the tournament represented a significant turnaround under coach Rod Strickland, who emphasized pride in his players’ effort and resilience. Strickland, a former Knicks point guard, acknowledged the challenge of facing a top-tier program like Arizona. “We played in the NEC, and we played a style. And we came in here and we tried to play that style, but we were playing against the top team in the country in length,” he said. The Sharks struggled from the outset, trailing 12-2 just 3:01 into the game. Arizona’s dominance was evident early, with the Wildcats leading by 24 points at halftime. The team’s physicality and shooting accuracy proved too much for LIU, as Arizona outrebounded them 52-31 and controlled the paint with ease. Arizona’s two projected NBA draft picks, Koa Peat and Brayden Burries, combined for 33 points on 11-of-22 shooting, while 7-foot-2 center Motiejus Krivas dominated inside with nine points, seven rebounds, and four blocks. The Wildcats also shot 50% from beyond the arc, dispelling any doubts about their three-point shooting. LIU’s struggles were evident in their shooting efficiency, as key players like Malachi Davis and Jamal Fuller combined for just 5-of-21 field goal attempts. Despite the loss, the Sharks’ season was a testament to their growth. Mason Porter-Brown led the team with 15 points, while Greg Gordon added 12.#arizona #rod_strickland #brayden_burries #liu_sharks #kao_peat
Black Coaches to Watch in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Tournament Rod Strickland, a former NBA player and New York City basketball icon, is leading Long Island University to its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2012. Strickland, who took over as head coach in 2022, emphasized his goal of elevating the program’s culture and competitiveness. “Raise the bar, change the environment and help the culture develop and grow,” he said. “I’m not in a rush. Our time is coming. This is just the beginning.” His efforts have paid off, as the LIU Sharks secured a 24-10 record, finishing first in the Northeast Conference (NEC) regular season. Strickland’s journey to coaching included roles as a director of basketball operations at Memphis and Kentucky, and an assistant at South Florida. Despite early struggles, he has now led LIU to back-to-back winning seasons and earned NEC Coach of the Year honors. Speedy Claxton, another former NBA player and Hofstra alum, is guiding his alma mater to its first NCAA tournament in 23 years. Claxton, who played for Hofstra in the 2000 NCAA tournament, took over as head coach in 2021 and has led the program to four seasons with at least 20 wins. “I know the incredible history of Hofstra’s men’s basketball program,” he said. “I have lived it. I have experienced it. I am ready to lead it.” Hofstra’s 24-10 record and third-place finish in the Colonial Athletic Conference (CAA) have secured an automatic bid to the tournament. Claxton’s coaching career includes stints as an assistant at Hofstra and a championship run with the San Antonio Spurs as a player. Kenny Blakeney, the head coach at Howard University, is making his third NCAA tournament appearance with the school.#howard_university #hofstra #long_island_university #rod_strickland #kenny_blakeney
