Preview: Mercyhurst Lakers at Long Island Sharks BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Interstat) — A pivotal Northeast Conference men’s basketball tournament semifinal tips off Tuesday night as the seed Mercyhurst Lakers visit the seed Long Island Sharks at the Steinberg Wellness Center. The Sharks (23-10), regular-season champions, enter as the clear favorite, boasting a balanced attack and home-court advantage. However, the Lakers (17-16) have proven to be a formidable challenge, having split the season series. Long Island won 60-58 at home on Jan. 8, but Mercyhurst secured a 91-83 victory in Erie on Feb. 21. That recent loss will fuel a Long Island team led by dynamic guard Jamal Fuller. He scored 26 points in the February defeat and has been a consistent force, averaging 17.3 points over his last seven games. His defensive presence is equally critical, evidenced by a five-block performance in Saturday’s 64-56 quarterfinal win over Wagner. Mercyhurst, riding a three-game winning streak, counters with the hot hand of Cameron Johnson. The guard erupted for 17 points in 28 minutes off the bench in Saturday’s 56-51 quarterfinal victory over Stonehill. His scoring spark will be essential against a stout Long Island defense. The Sharks’ supporting cast is key. Greg Gordon added 19 points against Wagner, and Shadrak Lasu provides interior defense. For Mercyhurst, consistency beyond Johnson is vital; Qadir Martin and Bernie Blunt were instrumental in the recent win over Stonehill. The matchup hinges on tempo. Mercyhurst’s high-scoring win in February suggests an upset is possible if they dictate pace. Long Island, seeking to protect its home floor and advance, will rely on its defense and Fuller’s two-way prowess to control the game. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT. The winner advances to the NEC championship game on March 12.