FAIRFIELD, Conn. – An offensive push midway through the second half propelled LIU to a victory over the Sacred Heart University men's basketball team in the Northeast Conference opener for both teams. The Sharks topped the Pioneers, 75-55, on Wednesday. 

Records:
LIU: 1-0, 1-0, NEC
Sacred Heart: 0-2, 0-1 NEC

Top Performers:
Mike Sixsmith (SHU): 10 Points
Cantavio Dutreil (SHU): 10 Points, 10 Rebounds
Tyrn Flowers (LIU): 20 points, 13 rebounds

Up Next:
The two teams are back on the court Thursday for another 4 p.m. tipoff. 

Of Note:
Alex Watson's jumper at the 8:49 mark of the second half put the Pioneers up 50-48. Unfortunately, Sacred Heart would only score a single point over the next eight minutes as the Sharks finished the game on a 27-5 run.

A Watson jumper five minutes into the game put SHU up 15-8. The hosts were a different team in the first half as they limited LIU to just 29 percent shooting while holding a 26-20 rebounding advantage and going 10-of-11 from the free throw line.

It was a complete reversal in the final 20 minutes. The Sharks shot 58.6 percent from the field while outrebounding SHU, 22-14. LIU shot 43.3 percent for the game to the Pioneers 31 percent.

Sacred Heart committed 23 turnovers, which the visitors turned into 15 points. LIU got over half of its points (38) in the paint) and made as many free throws (19-of-31) as the Pioneers took (13-of-19)

Producing his first collegiate double-double was junior Cantavio Dutreil with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Rookie Mike Sixsmith also came off the bench to tally 10 points. 

Leading all scorers was LIU's Tyrn Flowers with 20 points to go along with 13 rebounds. Jermaine Jackson Jr. followed with 17 points.