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Long Island takes home Northeast title in OT win

Mar 10, 2011 - 3:21 AM Brooklyn, NY (Sports Network) - Jamal Olasewere scored seven of his 31 points in overtime, and Long Island won the Northeast Conference Tournament with an 85-82 victory over Robert Morris.

Chasing their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1997 -- when they won their last conference title -- the top-seeded Blackbirds (27-5) overcame a game- tying three-pointer late in regulation by Robert Morris.

Olasewere scored five straight Long Island points in overtime to give his team the lead for good. Jason Brickman and C.J. Garner added 15 points apiece in the Blackbirds' 13th straight win.

Russell Johnson buried the game-tying three in regulation, hitting the shot over Garner's outstretched arm with 16.8 seconds left. He led Robert Morris (18-14) with 22 points. Velton Jones added 20 points and Lijah Thompson scored 15 in the loss, which snapped an eight-game winning streak.

The closest thing to an NEC powerhouse, the third-seeded Colonials entered the final on an eight-game winning streak and were looking for their third straight conference championship.

They battled back from an eight-point deficit in the final two minutes of regulation, ending it on a 10-2 run. They had the early lead in overtime, but couldn't hang on.

Olasewere knocked down a jumper, a layup and one foul shot to give Long Island the lead for good with about a minute left in the extra period.

Game Notes

Robert Morris still leads the all-time series 36-27...The Colonials were seeking a league-record eighth NEC title overall...Long Island was playing in its first league title game since 1997-98.