Preview: New Haven Chargers at Long Island Sharks NEW YORK (Interstat) — The Long Island Sharks, riding a four-game winning streak, will host the surging New Haven Chargers in a Northeast Conference men’s basketball matchup on Thursday afternoon at the Wellness, Recreation & Athletic Center. The Sharks (14-8, 6-1 NEC) have established themselves as a conference frontrunner, most recently dominating Central Connecticut in an 80-59 road victory on Jan. 31. Their offense is powered by Mason Porter-Brown, who erupted for 29 points in that win. Over his last five games, Porter-Brown is averaging 16.2 points, including a 16-point performance in a win over Le Moyne on Jan. 29. They will face a Chargers squad (10-12, 4-3) that has found its rhythm after a slow start, winning three of its last four conference games. New Haven is coming off an impressive 81-69 road win at Saint Francis (PA) on Saturday. Guard Kheni Briggs led the way with 29 points, continuing a strong stretch where he has averaged 18.2 points over his last six contests. The matchup features a contrast in styles and consistency. Long Island boasts a balanced attack; in its last win, Jamal Fuller posted 23 points and six assists while Shadrak Lasu added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Sharks’ defense has held conference opponents under 70 points in five of seven NEC games. New Haven’s success hinges on Briggs and supporting scorers like Jabri Fitzpatrick, who had 19 points against Saint Francis, and Andre Pasha. The Chargers have shown volatility, however, following their big win with a 51-70 loss at Mercyhurst just two days prior. This game is the first of a home-and-home series between the teams, who will meet again in New Haven on Feb. 14. A win would solidify Long Island’s hold near the top of the conference standings, while New Haven aims to prove its recent form is a legitimate threat to the NEC hierarchy. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 5.