Long Island University punches first ticket to March Madness, locking up NEC's autobid before playing in final

[ASFN Admin]

Long Island University has punched the first ticket to the men's NCAA tournament, and the Sharks did so on a technicality.

LIU's NEC tournament championship opponent, Mercyhurst, is ineligible for the NCAA tournament since it's still completing its transition to Division I.

THE FIRST TICKET TO THE MEN'S NCAA TOURNAMENT GOES TO LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY

LIU's opponent in the NEC Tournament final, Mercyhurst, is ineligible for postseason play as it transitions to Division I. pic.twitter.com/Jm1hLv2tT5

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 7, 2026

This story is being updated.

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