FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Nov. 16, 2008) - The Nova Southeastern University women's basketball team fell 73-63 to Clayton State in their second game of the NSU-Marriott Tip-Off Classic inside the University Center Arena on Sunday afternoon. The loss drops the Sharks to 0-2 on the season while Clayton State improves to 1-1.

NSU started slowly, trailing by as many as 16 points in the half with 8:36 remaining. Nova Southeastern closed to within six points at the half, trailing 34-28. Junior center Stephanie Sarosi (Mims, Fla.) kept the Sharks in the game, scoring 14 points and grabbing eight rebounds in the first half. Guard Nikkisha Pritckett led Clayton State with 11 points on 3-6 shooting from behind the arc. For the half, NSU shot 40 percent while the Lakers of Clayton State shot just 34.5 percent. Clayton State did drain six three pointers and shot 40 percent from long range in the half. The Lakers held a 15-8 advantage in points scored of turnovers.

At one point, NSU closed to within one point in the second half, before Clayton State pulled away late for the ten point victory. Sarosi added fifteen points and collected six caroms in addition to six blocks. Point guard Abbie Tepe (So., Cincinnati, Ohio) distributed five assists and scored six points in the half. The Sharks shot 51.9 percent from the field, but out-rebounded by 12 and limited by nine turnovers in the half. The Lakers shot 42.4 percent from the field.

NSU shot 45.6 percent for the game and had 22 assists on 26 baskets. The Sharks were out-rebounded 43 to 34 and out-scored 25-14 in points off turnovers.

For the game, Sarosi scored a game high 29 points, gathered 14 rebounds, swatted six shots and had four assists to led NSU. For her efforts, Sarosi was named co-MVP of the 2008 NSU-Marriott Tip-Off Classic. Tepe followed with eight points and a game high 10 assists. Freshman forward Steve Kamp (Mesa, Ari.) contributed with five points.

Tanisha Woodard led Clayton State with 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists. She was also named to the All-Tournament team.

Barry's Princess Bailey was named co-MVP with Sarosi. Marisa Greene of Barry and Keyona Bryant of St. Augustine's were also named to the All-Tournament team.

NSU returns to play on Sunday, November 23rd vs. Valdosta State University at 2 pm inside the University Center Arena.