FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Nov. 16, 2009) - Despite having three players in double-figures, Nova Southeastern University's women's basketball team fell 81-71 to Benedict at The Arena at the Don Taft University Center in what was the season-opener for both teams.

Benedict opened the game with a 10-0 run through the first four minutes. NSU responded with a 9-0 run of its own, coming to within one point on a Jada Buckner (So., Loudon, Tenn.) jumper at 12:46. Just three minutes later, Rheisa Burke (Fr., Port Charlotte, Fla.) evened the game at 13-all with a made free throw. NSU ultimately pulled ahead by two points with Lindsey Newpher (Sr., Depew, Okla.) draining at three-pointer at 8:09 to make it a 17-15 game.

The Sharks built an eight-point, 25-17 lead as Stevie Kamp (So., Mesa, Ariz.) made a layup at 6:45. However, the Lady Tigers gradually cut away at NSU's lead. Benedict outscored NSU 8-1 in the final 3:15 to ultimately take a 33-31 advantage into halftime.

The game remained close in the opening minutes of the second half with a couple of ties. However, Benedict began to pull away, using a Charvez Holmes three-pointer to make it 45-39 with 14:04 to go. Although, a three-pointer from Abbie Tepe (Jr., Cincinnati, Ohio) made it a three-point 45-42 game at 13:51, the Lady Tigers used an 8-2 run to go up 54-45 with 10:10 remaining. Benedict eventually built up a two 16-point cushions late in the game, including one with 51 seconds to go. However, NSU scored the game's final six points, including a three-pointer from Tara Haddock (Sr., Citrus Springs, Fla.) at the buzzer.

NSU was 24-for-62 from the floor, shooting 38.7 percent. Benedict was 37.7 percent, making 29-of-77 shots. Benedict outrebounded the Sharks 57-45.

Tepe, who went 4-for-5 from long range in the second half, led the Sharks with 14 points. Newpher and Kamp each chipped in with 10. Edwards grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds.

Bridget Williams led Benedict with 15 points. Brittany Jackson had a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double. Ashley Price and Tamara Rogers added 13 and 10 points, respectively.

NSU is back in action when the Sharks host its annual NSU/Marriott Tip-Off Classic on Friday and Saturday at The Arena at the Don Taft University Center. The tournament begins at 5:30 p.m. with Barry versus Georgia College & State. NSU faces Armstrong Atlantic State at 7:30 p.m.