BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Despite 18 points from junior guard Megan Griffith, the Lions fell to cross-town rival LIU 77-57. The Blackbirds gained an early lead and kept it throughout the game to defeat Columbia in the Schwartz Center.

The Blackbirds jumped out to a 9-4 lead early in the game but a jumper from junior forward Becky Hogue and a three-pointer from Griffith tied up the score. LIU, however, went on a 14-2 run and took a 23-11 lead. The Blackbirds continued to increase their lead taking a 21-point lead with 28 seconds left in the half (42-21). Hogue hit a basket with three seconds left in the half, sending the Lions to the locker room down 42-23.

Hogue led the Lions at the half with six points and six rebounds. For LIU, Masa Susic had 14 points, hitting four threes, and seven rebounds.

In the second half, the Lions were able to get within 14 points with 11:04 left in the game, but LIU held off the comeback attempt, going up by as many as 23 points.

Standing out on the stat sheet along with Griffith was sophomore forward Brittney Carfora who had a game high 10 rebounds. For the Blackbirds, Amber Wirth had 18 points with eight rebounds and Susic finished the game with 14 points and eight rebounds.

The Lions take on Monmouth on Tuesday, December 13th in Levien Gym. Game time is 7 p.m.