FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (November 17, 2007) - Lynn guard Jade Williams left the door open twice for Nova Southeastern, missing two consecutive free throws in the final 13 seconds of the game but NSU could not capitalize as the Fighting Knights (2-0) defeated the Nova Southeastern Sharks (0-2) by a score of 71-69 on Saturday evening on Day Two of the NSU/Marriott Tip-Off Classic at NSU's University Center Arena.
In the first half, Lynn jumped out to 8-2 lead after a free throw from Rachel Brockman. A three-pointer from Eliza Allen (Jr., Hegenheim, France), however, turned the tide for the Sharks, sparking a 16-6 run. Made threes by Allen were a common theme in the game as the swingman went 4-for-6 from downtown.
The teams would go on tie the game five times in the first half, with Lynn ending on an 8-4 run to make it Lynn 39, NSU 35 going into the break.
To start the second half, the Sharks would go on a 15-2 run, sparked by a lay-in by Ashley Wilson (Sr., Coral Springs, Fla.), making it 52-45, the largest lead of the game for the Sharks, with 13:57 left.
The momentum shifted yet again as a jumper by Eve Skardzinska and another Roth layup gave the Knights a 66-61 lead with 6:32 remaining.
Two free throws by reserve guard LaShawnna Edwards (So., North Miami Beach, Fla.) cut the Lynn lead to 70-69 with 1:05 left.
Williams made a free throw with 13 seconds remaining to make it 71-69 but would miss the next free throw and the front end of the one-and-one on the next possession.
In NSU's final two possessions, Williams stole the ball with six seconds left and the Sharks' Wilson barely missed a desperation three at the buzzer.
For the game, Lynn's Carly Golden led all scorers with 18 points while Crystal Ahmed and Roth scored 15 and 14, respectively. Brockman led all players with 16 rebounds.
Wilson, who also had four assists and four steals, and Allen scored 17 points apiece while Amber Bishko (Sr., Orlando, Fla.) scored 12. Wilson's 17 was a career-high. Edwards pitched in with 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds off the bench. Christine Haber (Sr., Libertyville, Ill.) also snatched seven boards.
Lynn outrebounded NSU 44-40 while the Knights committed 20 turnovers to the Sharks' 18.
NSU will return to action on Wednesday, November 21 at 7pm as they will travel to West Palm Beach, Fla. to take on the Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish.
NSU/Marriott All-Tournament Team
MVP: Princess Bailey, Guard, Barry
Christina Thompson, Forward, Barry
Crystal Ahmed, Guard, Lynn
Jade Williams, Guard, Lynn
Brandy Moore, Guard, Midwestern State
Ashley Wilson, Guard, Nova Southeastern
