Long Island University Embraces Underdog Role Against Top-Seed Arizona

LIU players say they're coming in with a "mindset to win" against the heavily favored Wildcats.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 6:19am

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Long Island University (LIU) is set to face off against the West's top-seed Arizona in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Despite being a heavy underdog, the LIU players say they are embracing the challenge and coming in with a "mindset to win." LIU coach Rod Strickland emphasized that his team will not be "scared or timid" and is focused on playing their fast-paced, transition-heavy style of basketball against the more physically imposing Wildcats.

Why it matters

This matchup represents a classic David vs. Goliath scenario in the NCAA Tournament, with the 16-seed LIU Sharks taking on the powerhouse 1-seed Arizona Wildcats. While 16-seeds rarely upset 1-seeds, LIU is hoping to defy the odds and pull off one of the biggest upsets in tournament history.

The details

LIU led the Northeast Conference in scoring this season, averaging 74.1 points per game. They prefer to play a fast-paced, dribble-drive style of offense focused on getting out in transition. In contrast, Arizona is known for its physical, inside-out style of play, though the Wildcats can also shoot the three when needed. LIU will look to push the tempo and test Arizona's young roster, led by several key freshmen contributors.

  • The LIU vs. Arizona matchup is scheduled for Friday morning at Viejas Arena in San Diego.

The players

Rod Strickland

The head coach of the Long Island University Sharks, who has emphasized his team's confidence and mindset heading into the matchup with Arizona.

Shadrak Lasu

A player for Long Island University who said the team has the "mindset we're going to come in and win" against the heavily favored Wildcats.

Malachi Davis

A player for Long Island University who said the team's "drive" is to go hard against Arizona.

Tobe Awaka

An Arizona player who said the Wildcats' young freshmen contributors have "handled adversity" well this season and should "stay true to who you are" against LIU.

Greg Gordon

A Long Island University player who said the team feels like they have the "world's" belief behind them after gaining attention on TikTok, which is giving them extra motivation.

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What they’re saying

“With the mindset you're going to win. We've prepared all the way for this game. We have the mindset we're going to come in and win. If you come in doubting yourself, you're going to already put yourself back.”

— Shadrak Lasu, LIU Player

“There's no way you can walk into any game feeling like you're defeated. Our goal from the beginning was to win the regular season, win conference, and then get to the dance and make some noise … they are confident, but they also know what they are up against.”

— Rod Strickland, LIU Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the LIU vs. Arizona matchup will advance to the next round of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This game represents a classic underdog story, with the scrappy LIU Sharks looking to pull off a massive upset against the heavily favored Arizona Wildcats. While the odds may be stacked against them, LIU's confidence and fast-paced style of play could make them a dangerous opponent for the top-seeded Wildcats.