MIAMI SHORES, Fla. (December 29, 2006) - Golden Suns' twin sisters Ashley Grappe and Amanda Grappe led Arkansas Tech (6-5) down the stretch as they defeated the Nova Southeastern Sharks (2-8) by a score of 53-51 on Friday night, day one of the Barry University Holiday Classic.

In the first half, NSU started hot, hitting seven of their first eight shots to jump out to an early 15-6 lead. Sharks' point guard Ashley Wilson (Jr., Coral Springs, Fla.) opened the scoring for NSU, hitting a three-pointer from the right wing. The 15-6 run was capped by a jumper in the paint by swingman Amber Bishko (Jr., Orlando, Fla.).

The Golden Suns kept it close, however, closing out the half with a 17-8 run of their own to go into the locker room tied at 32.

In the second half, Tech took their first lead of the game with 15;35 remaining after a traditional three-point play by guard Nikki Earles.

The game would then feature eight ties and two lead changes with the Grappes taking control of the game in the final minutes.

With the score 50-50 with 2:15 remaining, forward Amanda Grappe, who finished with 12 points and eight rebounds, converted two free throws. The Golden Suns would never look back, adding another free throw from point guard Ashley Grappe to close out the two-point victory.

Ashley Grappe finished the game with seven points and five assists while forward Krishna Baker added 12 points for Tech.

For the Sharks, forward Jennifer Havens (Sr., Ontario, Ore.), who fouled out with 1:22 left, scored 19 points while Eliza Allen (So., Hegenheim, France) added seven points and five boards.

NSU will return to action on Saturday at 4pm as they face the Bryant College Bulldogs out of Rhode Island in day two of the Barry Holiday Classic.