Tuesday, March 13, 2018

LIU/Brooklyn Blackbirds: March Madness Begins Now

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH


NCAA TOURNAMENT
 *  *  THE FIRST FOUR  *  *
EAST REGION @ DAYTON, OHIO

#16 LIU Brooklyn 
Northeast Champions ~ (18-16)
vs.
#16 Radford University 
Big South Champions ~ (22-12)

Tuesday, March 13, 6:40pm
The winner faces #1 Villanova Wildcats @ Pittsburgh.


These team previously faced each other only once in their respective history during the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament on Nov. 19, 2011 in which LIU emerged victoriously by a convincing 81-59 final margin of victory.

This is the Blackbirds seventh ever appearance in the NCAA tournament, and their first since getting knocked out of the First Four round in 2013 by the James Madison Dukes.  They are yet to win a tourney game in six previous attempts.  The Blackbirds nevertheless enter Tuesday's game winners of five straight, including their most recent upset over top seeded Wagner in the NEC Final.  They were 5-11 on the road this season, and split two games at neutral sites.  Joel Hernandez is LIU leading scorer, averaging 20.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.  He averages 46 percent shooting from the field, and 38 percent three point range.

Radford is making third ever trip to the dance, and their first since 2009.  They are presently in the midst of a seven game winning streak.  The Highlanders are 7-10 road, and 4-0 at neutral sites.  Ed Polite Jr. is the team's leading scorer, averaging 13.5 points per game, and 7.7 rebounds.



BROOKLYN BLACKBIRDS STARTING FIVE
Julian Batts ~ Julius Van Sauer ~ Raiquan Clark ~ Joel Hernandez ~ Jashaun Agosto


GO BROOKLYN
GO BLACKBIRDS


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