FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Jan. 2, 2010) - The Nova Southeastern University men's basketball team was dealt its first Sunshine State Conference loss of the season at Tampa by a 66-63 score on Saturday evening. The loss snaps a six game winning streak for the Sharks and makes their record 7-4 (1-1 SSC). Tampa improves to 7-3 and 2-0 in SSC play.
"We got exactly what we deserved tonight," said NSU head coach Gary Tuell. "This was the first time this year that we played with no energy or enthusiasm and quite frankly I'm not sure why a lot of these guys even got off the bus. The first road SSC game is always difficult, especially for first year players who don't know what to expect."
The Spartans gained their largest lead of the game at seven points just four minutes and ten seconds into action. NSU regrouped to take a six point lead with 3:23 left in the half before Tampa closed on an 11-3 run to take a two point advantage into the break.
A layup by junior guard John Brooks (Riverside, Calif.) gave the Sharks a three point edge at 49-46 with 10:03 left to play. A 12-2 Tampa run over the next five minutes put the Spartans ahead for the remainder of play.
A layup followed by a steal on the inbounds pass by freshman guard Brian Cahill (Arlington, Va.) cut into Tampa's lead in the final minute. After two missed Tampa free throws, a three pointer to knot the score at the buzzer by Brooks rimmed out to end the game.
"We had a healthy respect for Tampa based on their wins over Valdosta State and Florida Tech," said Tuell. "So we knew they were a good team. But when you play that poorly for 40 minutes and still lose by only three to a good team you have to wonder how good we can be down the road. I've said all along that I loved this team and nothing today changes that."
Junior forward Alex Gynes (Nowra, Australia) and junior center Ross Allsop (Sydney, Australia) tied for the Sharks team lead with 12 points. Gynes added six rebounds and four assists while Allsop had eight rebounds and two blocks. Junior guard Max Papendieck (Adelaide, Australia) went 4-4 from the floor while scoring ten points.
Rashad Calloway had a team high 25 points for the Spartans.
NSU travels to Boca Raton, Fla. on Wednesday, January 6th to play SSC rival Lynn University at 7:30 pm.
