BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Twenty-fourth ranked University of Bridgeport proved to be too much for the LIU Post men's basketball team, as the Pioneers came up short on the road, 103-69, Jan. 31.
 
The Pioneers dip to 6-5 in East Coast Conference (ECC) play, while Bridgeport improves to 11-1 in league play.
 
The Purple Knights entered the contest ranked in the National Association of Basketball Coaches Top-25 poll for the first time since 1993, and proved why they have garnered attention on the national stage. The Purple Knight defense smothered the Pioneers all evening, forcing 19 first-half turnovers, leading to a 22-4 advantage in points off turnovers during the opening 20 minutes. The defensive effort helped guide Bridgeport to a wire-to-wire lead, as the Purple Knights outscored the Pioneers 53-32 in the first half.
 
The continued pressure and ensuing offensive efficiency continued in the second half for Bridgeport, as the Pioneers were unable to cut into the deficit during the final stretch and ultimately fell by the 103-69 final tally.
 
Sophomore Jared Rivers scored a game-high 20 points for LIU Post, shooting 6-of-14 from the field and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line. Freshman Alonzo Ortiz-Traylor netted 10 points to go with four rebounds on the night as the only other double-digit scorer for the Green and Gold. Sophomore Kyle Doucette grabbed 12 rebounds for the Pioneers, including seven on the offensive glass. Bridgeport was led by Sam Joseph who scored 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting while adding five steals to his stat line.
 
The Pioneers return home to the Pratt Recreation center on Saturday, Feb. 3 when they host Mercy College in a battle of playoff contenders