HACKENSACK, N.J. – The LIU Sharks (11-7, 5-0) fought off a spirited FDU (5-13, 2-3) effort in a 66-59 Knights' loss in Hackensack on Saturday night.
The game was played in front of a lively Bogota Savings Bank Center, as tonight marked the official launch of
Brew '42, FDU's co-branded beer with Bolero Snort. Knights' fans enjoyed their first tase of the lager inside Bolero's Beer Garden.
- Eric Parnell (4-11 FG) dropped a team-best 15 points
- Marks the most points Parnell has recorded in a home game this season
- Parnell knocked down three triples and went 4-5 from the charity stripe
- He complemented his scoring with four rebounds and two steals
FDU opened the game with good energy, jumping out to an early 2–0 lead and staying competitive through the opening stretch.
Joey Niesman scored on a second-chance opportunity, while
Raysean Johnson and
Cyril Martynov helped establish an interior presence as the Knights traded baskets with LIU. FDU briefly held a 17-10 advantage before LIU found momentum with a 15-0 spurt, and the Knights went into the break trailing
31–25.
The second half featured one of FDU's strongest stretches, as the Knights chipped away and briefly moved in front.
David Jevtic connected from deep, and Martynov converted multiple second-chance baskets to help FDU take a
39–38 lead early in the half. Parnell's perimeter shooting and interior finishes by Niesman allowed the Knights to stay locked in as the game remained tight at
45–45 near the midpoint of the period.
Down the stretch, FDU continued to compete, forcing turnovers and earning extra possessions while staying within reach.
Arthur Cox provided timely scoring inside, and the Knights showed resilience despite LIU capitalizing on fast-break chances late. FDU kept pressure on until the final minute, ultimately falling by a final score of
66–59.
- Arthur Cox poured in 13 points off the bench
- Joey Niesman tallied ten points, three rebounds and two assists
- FDU produced ten steals in the loss
- The Knights grabbed 14 offensive rebounds
- Resulted in nine second-chance points
- There were nine lead changes and six ties
FDU hosts Wagner on Monday, January 19, at 2 p.m. in Hackensack. Fans can catch the game on YES and ESPN+.
Connect with the Knights on Instagram and X @FDUKnightsMBB
Bogota Savings Bank is the presenting sponsor of FDU Men's Basketball
