FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Feb 3, 2010) - Nova Southeastern freshman Luke Roesch earned his sixth start of the season on Wednesday night. The Sharks' forward took advantage, scoring a career high 19 points on 8-9 shooting to lead NSU to a 97-88 victory over Sunshine State Conference rival Tampa. The win improves the Sharks record to 12-8 (5-5) on the season while the Spartans fall to 9-10 (3-7).

Roesch (Lancaster, Ohio) led NSU with 19 points, establishing a new career high. He was 8-9 from the floor, 1-3 on three-pointers and 2-2 from the free throw line. He also gathered six rebounds, had two assists and a block in 23 minutes.

"Offensively, he is really improving," said NSU head coach Gary Tuell. "He received the start tonight because of that. I thought that tonight was a good opportunity for us to start him based on the fact that they aren't a real big team. He really shot it well and finished it well inside. That's the kid that we recruited. We really liked him when we saw him in high school and he played tonight like the guy that we always thought that he could be."

The Sharks shot 56.4 percent from the floor and 42.9 percent on threes while setting a new season high with 97 points scored. NSU also had 24 assists on 31 made baskets.

"We had such an advantage inside," Tuell said. "Luke was 8-9, Al (Gynes) was 4-7, Rob (Huntington) was 4-6. We were able to go inside and they couldn't guard us in there. Our guys did a really good job of moving the ball and finding each other inside. For example, Al had six assists to lead us. It shows the big guys were looking for each other. But like everything else for us, if we shoot well from the perimeter we will win."

Gynes (Nowra, Australia) and freshman guard Brian Cahill (Arlington, Va.) followed Roesch with 15 points apiece. Junior guard John Brooks (Riverside, Calif.) and Huntington (Perth, Australia) were also in double figures with 14 and 11 points, respectively.

Rashad Callaway led Tampa with 25 points and added nine assists.

"It was a good win for us," Tuell concluded. "We needed it to stop the little losing streak we were on. I was pleased with everybody. I thought everybody played well."

The Sharks look to build a winning streak at Eckerd in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Saturday, February 6th at 4 pm.