FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Jan 14, 2009) - The Nova Southeastern University men's basketball team won its seventh straight game, battling for a 62-58 Sunshine State Conference victory in action inside the University Center Arena on Wednesday evening. The win improves the Sharks to 9-3 on the season and 4-0 in the SSC while Barry falls to 6-8 and 1-3 in SSC play.

"We fought through a lot of adversity," said NSU head coach Gary Tuell. "Alex Gynes is out indefinitely with hyperthyroidism. We're hopeful he can return this season. However, there is no guarantee of that. Dionte (Perry) is sick, hasn't practiced, and was in bed all day on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. He tried hard to help the team today, but he was obviously under the weather. Dave (Naylor) has been playing hurt. It has all resulted in two bad days of practice. We know we have to keep our heads up and keep fighting."

Working the ball into the low post, NSU scored on four of their first five possessions to lead 8-6. With just 1:58 remaining in the first half, the Sharks extended their lead to the largest margin of the game at 30-20. NSU led 30-25 entering the half.

NSU out-shot Barry 48 percent to 28.1 percent in the half and held a 19-17 advantage in rebounding. Naylor (Jr., Melbourne, Australia) led the Sharks with seven points, two rebounds and three assists. Karega Tucker paced the Buccaneers with nine points.

Barry charged back to take their first lead since early in the first half on a three-pointer by Zach Trapp at 10:27 that made the score at 44-43. A jumper in the paint by Chad Bishop with 5:06 remaining in the game gave the Bucs their largest lead of the game at 55-50. The Sharks clamped down defensively, holding Barry scoreless over the next five minutes of play, going on a 9-0 run to lead 59-55. Three free throws by guard/forward Tim Coenraad (Sr., Brisbane, Australia) iced the game for the Sharks, resulting in a 62-58 victory.

For the game, NSU out-shot Barry 32.1 percent to 28.4 percent. NSU also held a 45-43 edge on the glass. Point guard John Brooks (So., Perry, Cal.) led the Sharks in scoring with 14 points. Naylor finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Sophomore center Ross Allsop (Sydney, Australia) fell just short of a double-double, posting nine points and nine rebounds. Perry added six points and six rebounds off the bench while freshman center Darrin Williams (Louisville, Ken.) had seven points and five boards.

Karega Tucker and Zach Trapp tied for the Barry lead with 15 points, apiece.

"Every time we play Barry it is the same thing," Tuell said. "They clutch, reach, hold and grab. It's always a physical game. That's just how they play. We don't always adjust to that. While Timmy (Coenraad) played excellent defensive and helped us on the other end of the court, it seemed he was up against a rugby team offensively. It was a hard, competitive game. Overall, we just fought through a lot of adversity. The right team won tonight."

NSU remains at home, hosting Rollins College in SSC play on Saturday, January 17th at 4 pm inside the University Center Arena.