Long Island U beats Wagner 78-73 in league opener

NEW YORK (AP) — Jamal Olasewere scored 18 points and C.J. Garner scored all 15 of his in the second half as Long Island University defeated Wagner 78-73 Thursday night in the Northeast Conference opener for both teams.

Olasewere scored seven points during an 11-2 run when the Blackbirds (3-4) built a 15-point lead, 69-54, with 3:29 remaining.

Garner scored the final seven points for the defending conference champions after the Seahawks had closed the gap to 71-63 with 1:19 remaining.

Julian Boyd and Jason Brickman scored 11 points each and Olasewere pulled down 11 rebounds for the Blackbirds.

Tyler Murray scored 19 points and Jonathon Williams 16 to lead Wagner.

Murray, who came into the game second in the NCAA in 3-point shooting at 64 percent (16 of 25) was 5 of 7 from beyond the arc, but his teammates were just 3 of 18 from that distance.