FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.—The Nova Southeastern University women’s basketball team (12-8, 4-6 SSC) is set to battle conference leader Florida Tech Panthers (19-3, 8-2 SSC) on Wednesday, Feb. 9. Tip-off is marked for 5:30 p.m. in the Panther’s Clemente Center.
In their last game against Saint Leo Lions (9-13, 1-10 SSC), the Sharks were able to pull away with a 66-52 much needed conference win. Holding the Lions at just a single conference win the Sharks were able to post some of their best games stats of the season.
Senior Stephanie Sarosi (Mims, Fla.) tabbed her seasons third SSC Player of the Week honor on Monday, Feb. 7, as she shot double-figures against the Lions. With 22 points, she is only the second Shark to reach the 1,500 point mark in their career, and she currently holds the top spot in scoring, averaging 17.9 points per game. She also added six blocked shots and nine rebounds to truly earn her SSC honor.
Following right behind was senior Abbie Tepe (Cincinnati, Ohio) as she led all players with seven assists for the game to pass the 500 assists mark in her career. She is tied for first in conference with Florida Tech’s Lynisha Nelson for assists per game averaging 5.7. Meanwhile freshman talent Jasmine Wilkins (Miami, Fla.) held the games only double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
About Florida Tech
The Panthers now hold the No. 1 seed in conference standings after a 75-68 win against Florida Southern on Wednesday, Feb. 2. Panthers’ leading scorer Nelson had a game high of 28 points while Briauna Hagins added a team-high 11 rebounds. Ashton McClairen and Kristen Dixon added 14 and 12 points respectively for the win.
For the season, Nelson is third in the conference with 16.8 points per game with McClairen right behind tying for 10th place with 13 ppg. Nelson is also a conference leader, tied with NSU’s Tepe in assists at 5.7 per game and steals per game with 3.2.
In the conference, the Panthers are currently among the best rebounding team and pressure the ball consistently to be the SSC leader in steals with 11.3 per game as a team. Standing first in conference, the Sharks claimed one of their only two SSC loses and look to do it again.
The Series vs. Florida Tech
The matchup will mark the 27th meeting between the teams. Despite the win earlier in the year, the Panthers still have an 18-8 advantage over NSU. The Sharks senior class is 5-2 versus Florida Tech.
In their last matchup the Sharks outscored the Panthers, 75-69. Sarosi posted a double-double as the Sharks leading scorer with 20 points and was the game leader with 14 rebounds. Junior Jada Buckner (Loudon, Tenn.) scored double-digit points as well, with 12 for the night and freshman Richelle Carach (Naples, Fla.) was the key player off the bench, adding eight points.
Fans can follow the Sharks through Florida Tech’s game central page HERE. Also, follow NSU Basketball through Twitter at www.twitter.com/NSUSharks.
