Tarmac Online

By: Ryan Manno ’27

March Madness is officially here, and for Long Island basketball fans this year brings something truly special: both Long Island University and Hofstra University have punched their tickets to the 2026 NCAA Tournament, giving the Island’s hoops community plenty to celebrate. For LIU, this trip to the Big Dance comes after an electrifying season under head coach Rod Strickland, and it’s been made even more memorable by the viral “Fins Up” trend and an electric home crowd that played a huge role in their success.

The LIU Sharks finished the season 24-10 overall and 15-3 in NEC play, earning the Northeast Conference championship and securing the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018. Their reward is a No. 16 seed in the West Region, slotted to face No. 1 seed Arizona in San Diego. This is without a doubt one of the toughest possible first round matchups.

What has made LIU’s run so remarkable isn’t just the wins, but the environment they built at their home hardwood. The Sharks went a near perfect 14-1 at the Steinberg Wellness Center while turning home games into must see events and giving opposing teams fits from the opening tip. A big part of that energy has been the “Fins Up” tradition: a spirited free-throw clap and gesture popularized by passionate fans. This trend has gone viral across not only the island, but college basketball as a whole and has helped turn LIU home games into one of the season’s most talked about atmospheres. Players and coaches have openly credited this fanbase surge for helping fuel the Sharks. Greg Gordon, the NEC tournament MVP, said the “Fins Up” energy was something the team carried with them all season. Coach Strickland pointed to the enthusiasm as a defining part of their home court advantage. The student section, now affectionately known as “The Reef”, packed the gym throughout the campaign, and viral moments from LIU’s home crowd ignited support from across the country. The energy and excitement around the program seen nationwide propelled the Sharks onto the map as one of college basketball’s most electrifying mid-major programs.

LIU’s tournament berth continues a program tradition of occasional NCAA appearances, though the Sharks are still chasing their first ever tournament win. Historically, the team’s March Madness record stands at 0-7, but this year’s Shark squad is special and has confidence and momentum on its side as they prepare to test themselves against one of the nation’s elite teams. Senior leaders like guard Greg Gordon and his backcourt mate Malachi Davis have been crucial to LIU’s success. The duo brings scoring, leadership, and experience that will be needed if the Sharks hope to pull off a string of upsets and ignite a run.

Just down the Island, the Hofstra Pride are heading to March Madness for the first time in 25 years, snapping a drought that stretches back to 2001. Under head coach Speedy Claxton, a Hofstra alumnus and former NBA standout, the Pride captured the CAA Tournament championship and earned a No. 13 seed in the Midwest Region. Claxton, who starred at Hofstra and led the Pride to the NCAA Tournament in 2000 as a player, now returns to guide his team to the same stage, a true full circle moment for the program.

Hofstra’s spot in the tournament was clinched in dramatic fashion when freshman guard Preston Edmead hit a buzzer beater in the semifinals, sending the Pride to victory and igniting their fanbase. The moment capped one of the most memorable seasons in recent program history.

Edmead’s heroics, paired with the stellar play of CAA Player of the Year Cruz Davis, have powered Hofstra all season. Their first round matchup puts them against No. 4 seed Alabama, an intimidating opponent. Despite the challenge, the Pride enter the tournament with confidence and belief, aiming to secure the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament win. Historically, Hofstra is 0‑4 in NCAA play, with past losses in 1976, 1977, 2000, and 2001, making this appearance a chance to finally rewrite the record books.

For Long Island as a whole, having both LIU and Hofstra in March Madness makes this year one to remember. The Sharks brought a home court and fan culture that became must see theater throughout the season, while the Pride ended a long absence with a buzzer beater that will live in program history. With both teams representing the Island this March, fans have every reason to be fired up!