Old Westbury, N.Y. - On Wednesday night NYIT faced LIU Post in the East Coast Conference Quarterfinals of the conference playoffs. With four players in double figures, the Bears topped the Pioneers 76-71. NYIT now has an overall record of 19-10 and LIU Post drops to 17-12. Both teams finished 13-7 in conference play.
Freshman Nina Vukosavljevic (Blegrade, Serbia) led the Bears with 20 points and set a new personal season high. Sophomore Shannon Duer (Islip, N.Y.) added 18 points and grabbed five rebounds for the win. Sophomore Shanice Allen (Riverhead, N.Y.) compiled a game high of five assists and put 15 points on the board. Junior Dina Ragab (Cairo, Egypt) tallied 14 points six rebounds and three blocks.
"Nina was fantastic tonight and played a tremendous game in a big-time spot," said head coach Anthony Crocitto. "Audrey's second half minutes were on another level. I am proud of the way she has adapted her role and she really stepped up. Shanice was awesome on both ends and hit two huge free throws and Dina played great defense and was very hard to guard."
The Pioneers' Chelsea Williams put up a game high of 32 points and grabbed six rebounds. Nyasia Davis dominated the boards with 14 rebounds and she scored 11 points.
LIU Post committed 17 turnovers, which was double that of NYIT. Both teams were above 80 percent from the charity stripe and also scored 34 of their points in the paint. The Pioneers reached their largest lead of five points late in the first half at the 3:03 minute. At 15:12 in the second half Ragab hit a jump shot to give the Bears a nine lead.
"We played defense tonight and shared the ball. To play a game like this with under nine turnovers is just awesome," said Crocitto. "We will prepare as best as possible for a very good UDC team but tonight I will enjoy this win."
NYIT continues to the semifinals to face the University of the District of Columbia on Saturday, Mar. 7. Tipoff is scheduled for noon at LIU Post in Brookville.
Provided by the NYIT Sports Information Department.
