Long Island Sharks Advance to NEC Final, Earn NCAA Tournament Bid

The Sharks defeated Wagner 64-56 to secure their spot in the Northeast Conference tournament championship game.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The top-seeded Long Island Sharks defeated the seventh-seeded Wagner Seahawks 64-56 in the Northeast Conference tournament semifinals, earning them a spot in the tournament final and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Senior guard Greg Gordon led the Sharks with 19 points and four steals, while Shadrak Lasu recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Jamal Fuller also contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks for Long Island. The Sharks will face third-seeded Mercyhurst in the NEC tournament final on Tuesday, with the winner securing an NCAA Tournament berth.

Why it matters

Long Island's victory over Wagner not only advances them to the Northeast Conference tournament final, but also secures their spot in the NCAA Tournament. This is a significant accomplishment for the Sharks, who are looking to make their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2021.

The details

The Sharks held the largest lead of the game at eight points and scored 14 points off 13 Wagner turnovers. Wagner was led by Nick Jones' game-high 27 points, but the Seahawks were unable to overcome Long Island's balanced scoring attack. The teams were tied at 23 at halftime, but Long Island pulled away in the second half to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • The NEC tournament final will be held on Tuesday.

The players

Greg Gordon

A senior guard for the Long Island Sharks who previously played at UAB and Iona.

Shadrak Lasu

A player for the Long Island Sharks who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Jamal Fuller

A player for the Long Island Sharks who contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks.

Nick Jones

A player for the Wagner Seahawks who scored a game-high 27 points.

Rod Strickland

The head coach of the Long Island Sharks, who is in his fourth season with the team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.