CORAL GABLES, Fla. (Nov. 16, 2009) - The Nova Southeastern University men's basketball team lost its season opener 108-58 at the University of Miami in play inside the BankUnited Center on Monday evening. Miami improves to 2-0 with the win while NSU is 0-1.

"It was a great experience for us to play an ACC team," said NSU head coach Gary Tuell. "We really appreciate Miami and Frank Haith for giving us the opportunity to play. It was also special for me since I used to coach here and could see some old friends."

Hurricanes guard James Dews set the tone for the game by opening with a three-pointer. Miami would hit on eight more three point shots in the next nine minutes to lead 35-9. The Hurricanes converted on 12-17 three point shots to lead 61-18 at the half.

"Obviously we played well," said Miami head coach Frank Haith. "We shot the ball very well. I thought our defensive intensity was good in the first half. This team is unique; we've got a lot of guys that can shoot the three ball. All our guys can make threes."

"It was pretty much what we expected," said Tuell. "With that many young players playing in their first collegiate game they can't be expected to play with confidence and poise. Miami is a very quick and talented team. That made it difficult for our freshmen to adjust."

The Sharks re-grouped at the break and were out-scored by just seven points (47-40) in the second half. Tuell said, "We played well in the second half and played hard. Miami didn't let up. We played better once we got our feet under us. We were able to score 40 second half points against an ACC team. We'll be able to stay in games this season with just our offense. We have had good practices so I wasn't surprised with the way we played in the second half because I've seen it from them before."

Freshman guard Brian Cahill led the Sharks in scoring with 14 points on 4-9 shooting from the floor, including 3-3 on three pointers. He also collected four rebounds. Junior guard John Brooks followed with 13 points while Max Papendieck pitched in with 12.

James Dews led the Hurricanes with 19 points on 7-11 shooting. Malcolm Grant, DeQuan Jones and Garrius Adams were also in double-figures with 17, 14 and 10 points respectively.

"Our team needs to decide who they want to be." Tuell concluded. "The team that played in the first half team or the team that played in the second half."

The Sharks travel to St. Augustine, Fla. to play Flagler College at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24th.