Wagner Looks to Build Momentum Against Surging Long Island in NEC Clash

NEW YORK (Interstat) — A surging Long Island women’s basketball team will look to protect its home court against a Wagner squad seeking consistency in a Northeast Conference matchup Saturday at the Wellness, Recreation & Athletic Center.

The Sharks (11-7, 4-1 NEC) enter on a strong run, having won five of their last six games, including a 72-59 victory over Stonehill on Thursday. They sit near the top of the conference standings. The visiting Seahawks (8-10, 3-2) are coming off a 59-45 win over Le Moyne that snapped a two-game skid.

A key matchup will feature two of the league’s standout guards. Long Island is powered by Kadidia Toure, a dynamic scorer and playmaker. Over her last eight games, Toure is averaging 18.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists, including a 29-point outburst at Mercyhurst on Jan. 8 and a 23-point, 16-rebound performance at Central Connecticut on Jan. 2.

Wagner will counter with Irene Fernandez de Caleya, who is coming off a 15-point effort in the win over Le Moyne. The guard has been a workhorse, logging 40 minutes twice in recent weeks and posting a triple-double of 12 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists in a win at Stonehill on Jan. 4. Her ability to facilitate and score will be critical for the Seahawks’ offense.

The Sharks have shown a potent attack, scoring 77 points or more in three of their last five victories. Wagner’s path to an upset likely relies on defense; they have held opponents under 50 points in three of their eight wins this season, including the Thursday victory.

Long Island won the first meeting last season, 65-56, on Feb. 10, 2025. The teams are scheduled to meet again in the regular-season finale on March 5 at Wagner.

Saturday’s contest is part of a packed NEC schedule as the conference race nears its midpoint. Following this game, Long Island will travel to face Le Moyne on Jan. 29, while Wagner will host Central Connecticut on the same date.