Long Island defeats C Connecticut 84-78
Long Island Upsets C Connecticut 84-78 in Conference Thriller
In a tightly contested matchup, the Long Island Blackbirds (HOME) pulled off an impressive 6-point victory over visiting C Connecticut, spoiling their conference aspirations.
The game's turning point came at halftime, when the home team took control with a narrow 37-34 lead. The Blackbirds' offense continued to click in the second half, outscoring their visitors by 10 points while holding C Connecticut to just 20 points.
Malachi Davis led the charge for Long Island, pouring in 23 points on 4-of-8 three-point attempts and displaying impressive all-around skills with 8 assists. Mason Porter-Brown complemented Davis's efforts with a double-double of 12 rebounds and 18 points, while also contributing to the Blackbirds' stifling defense.
For C Connecticut, Darin Smith Jr. was the leading scorer with 23 points, including three from behind the arc. Max Frazier chipped in with 22 points, but struggled to keep up with Long Island's potent offense.
Despite falling short, C Connecticut's Jay Rodgers showed impressive poise with 14 assists and 14 points, while Max Frazier added 8 rebounds.
Advanced statistics revealed that both teams struggled on the glass, as Long Island outrebounded C Connecticut by just one board. However, the Blackbirds' superior free-throw shooting percentage (65% to 30%) proved decisive in the end.
This conference win propels Long Island forward, while C Connecticut's loss leaves them reeling.