The LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds (11-12) welcome the Wagner Seahawks (15-8), the Northeast’s best team, to Steinberg Wellness Center. The game starts at 7:00 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 11.
The Blackbirds lost to Sacred Heart 98-90 in their last game. Aakim Saintil put in a solid effort despite the loss for LIU Brooklyn, recording 23 points and 11 assists to earn his first double-double of the season. The Seahawks are coming off a 72-51 win over Mount St. Mary’s in their last outing. Corey Henson led the game in scoring with 22 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
Over the last five games, Martin Hermannsson has really been playing well for the Blackbirds. During that stretch, he has averaged 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.4 three-pointers. Michael Carey has also been on a tear in the same span, averaging 17.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.2 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 0.6 three-pointers while leading the Seahawks.
This game should be a battle of contrasting styles. The Blackbirds (ranked 23rd in the nation in possessions per game) prefer a fast-breaking style of play, while the Seahawks (290th) are more half-court oriented. The Seahawks could also control the offensive glass in this matchup, as they rank 22nd in the nation in OR% at 37.2%. The Blackbirds, meanwhile, place near the bottom of the nation (291st) on the defensive backboards with a DR% of 67.8%.
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Blackbirds won the first game 71-70. Saintil was a standout player in the game, producing 27 points, three rebounds, four assists, and three three-pointers.
Notes
Wagner won its last game by a 21-point margin. In games decided by a margin of 18 points or more, LIU Brooklyn is 1-1. Wagner is 4-1 in blowouts this season.
The LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds average 73.7 possessions per game and 1.018 points per possession, while the Wagner Seahawks earn fewer possessions (67.0) but more points per possession (1.025).
The LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds average an effective field goal percentage of 47.0% this season. The Wagner Seahawks are 4-6 when opponents have an eFG% of 47.0% or greater.
The LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds average 20.0 three point attempts per game, while the Wagner Seahawks attempt 18.0. When attempting 20 or more three pointers in a game, LIU Brooklyn is a poor 5-10, while Wagner is an even 6-6.
LIU Brooklyn ranks 83rd in offensive rebounding. Wagner ranks 141st in defensive rebounding.
The LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds make an average of 8.0 steals per game. When the Wagner Seahawks allow 8 or more steals, they are a winning 2-1.
