Long Island University was the first team to clinch a spot in the annual tournament. The Sharks did so by defeating Wagner in the NEC Tournament Semifinals. This was because their opponent in the championship game, Mercyhurst, is ineligible to compete in the NCAA Tournament. The Sharks earned their first spot in March Madness since combining their two campuses' athletic programs (Brooklyn and Post).
This game has been in the making since 2004. To have our first standalone game is a big deal. Not a lot of people have an idea how much goes into putting these games together. From 2004, we never thought we'd even have a game there. Just to see where it's growing, it's great. As a New Yorker, there's no better feeling.