LIU didn’t just beat Wagner on Tuesday — it separated. Behind a decisive second half, the Sharks pulled away for an 83-65 win on Feb. 17, 2026, pushing their record to 18-9 and reinforcing the form that’s defined their recent stretch.
Game flow: LIU’s second-half surge decided it
The first half was competitive enough to keep Wagner within striking distance, but LIU still took control before the break. The Sharks led 37-31 at halftime, a manageable margin that left the visitors with a path back into the game.
That window closed quickly. LIU came out of halftime with a sharper edge and steadily widened the gap, winning the second half 46-34. The Sharks’ 83-point finish reflected an offense that found cleaner looks and sustained pressure as the game wore on, while Wagner couldn’t match the pace on the other end.
Turning point: halftime margin becomes a rout
At 37-31, Wagner was still in contact. The swing came after the break, when LIU’s ability to stack possessions — and turn a six-point halftime lead into an 18-point final — changed the math of the game. The second-half scoring split (46-34) captured the difference: LIU accelerated; Wagner couldn’t.
What it means going forward
For LIU, the win is another clean result for an 18-9 team that’s shown it can turn solid starts into blowouts when it wins the post-halftime stretch. For Wagner, now 9-16, the challenge remains sustaining two-way execution for 40 minutes — especially on the road — against teams that can raise their level after the break.
Final score
LIU Sharks 83, Wagner 65
Halftime
LIU Sharks 37, Wagner 31
Second half
LIU Sharks 46, Wagner 34