FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (November 17, 2006) - Nova Southeastern (0-1) nearly overcame a 12-point 2nd half deficit as they were narrowly defeated 58-52 by the Valdosta State Lady Blazers (1-0) on Friday night in game one of the NSU/Marriott Tip-Off Classic.

In the first-ever NSU women's basketball game at the University Center Arena, the Lady Blazers opened up a 33-21 lead early in the second half but a strategic timeout called by Sharks' head coach Marilyn Rule helped NSU tie the score with a little less than 10 minutes remaining in the game.

NSU, however, could not keep down Valdosta guard Carley Peterson as she amassed eight points in the game and eight of her 15 rebounds in the second half.

The Sharks kept it to a four-point deficit with a minute remaining but were unable to knot the score.

NSU forward Jennifer Havens (Sr., Ontario, Ore.) led the way with 15 points and nine rebounds while guard Mechelle Jones (Sr., Rockledge, Fla.) accumulated 17 points and five boards. Swingman Eliza Allen (So., Hegenheim, France) did the dirty work for the Sharks with 12 total rebounds.

The Sharks will be back in action on Sunday, November as game three of the NSU/Marriott Tip-Off Classic pits NSU against Sunshine State Conference foe Florida Tech in a non-conference game at 3pm.