MELBOURNE, Fla. (Jan 21, 2009) - The Nova Southeastern University women's basketball team dropped a 64-54 decision at Sunshine State Conference rival Florida Tech in action on Wednesday night. The loss drops the Sharks to 6-10 overall and 2-4 in SSC play while Florida Tech improves to 14-3, including 3-3 in SSC play.

After scoring the first basket of the game, NSU was held scoreless over the next six minutes, allowing Florida Tech to go on an 8-0 run. The Sharks would respond, going on a 7-0 run of their own to knot the score at 15 apiece. Helped by a 10-0 run, the Panthers held a 30-24 lead at the break.

The Sharks were held to just 22 shots, connecting on eight, in the first half as they were limited by 10 turnovers. Florida Tech had 40 shots, connecting on 13 attempts. The Panthers were helped by a 17 rebound advantage (31-14) and had just five turnovers.

Junior center Stephanie Sarosi (Mims, Fla.) led the Sharks with 12 points, four rebounds and seven blocks in the initial 20 minutes. Lynisha Nelson led a balanced Panther attack with seven points.

A lay-up by Sarosi with 7:05 remaining tied the score at 46. Led by nine points down the stretch from Nelson, Florida Tech closed the game on an 18-8 run to account for the 64-54 final score.

NSU shot 35.1 percent for the game while Florida Tech shot 34.2 percent. The Panthers out-rebounded NSU 47 to 43.

Sarosi, coming off her first SSC Player of the Week award of the 2008-09 season, tallied a career high 32 points on 13-21 shooting from the floor. She also grabbed 15 caroms, blocked 10 shots, and had two assists and two steals in 39 minutes of play.

Senior guard/forward Eliza Allen (Hegenheim, France) followed with nine points and four assists. Sophomore guard Abbie Tepe (Cincinnati, Oh.) was held to three points and two assists, playing just 20 minutes due to foul trouble.

Nelson scored a game high 21 points for Florida Tech.

Nova Southeastern will remain on the road, traveling to play the Saint Leo Lions on Saturday, January 24th at 2 pm.