Box Score
TAMPA, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern men's basketball team (7-11, 4-3 SSC) had another record setting night on the road, defeating the Tampa Spartans (11-6, 4-4 SSC) Saturday, 94-65. The win marks the program's largest margin of victory in a road Sunshine State Conference game.
The Sharks, who moved into second place in the SSC, had six players score in double figures, led by 17-point efforts from
Maurice Fuller (Jr., Westfield, Ind.) and
Casey Carroll (So., Youngstown, Ohio). Fuller shot 6-for-10 from the floor and 5-for-7 from 3-point range. Carroll shot 6-for-7 from the floor, was perfect from 3-point range at 3-for-3 and pulled down four rebounds.
Chris Page (So., Plainfield, Ind.) filled up the box score with 16 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.
Justin Jeangerard (Jr., Weaverville, Calif.), who scored 15 points, was the team's leading rebounder at nine boards.
"Our guys are playing really well right now and have a lot of confidence in what they are doing and a lot of confidence in each other," stated head coach
Gary Tuell. "We don't have any standout individual players, but we have six guys who can score in double figures. Our kids recognize that and they share the ball, which makes us really tough to guard. So much of the credit for the way we are playing right now should go to our assistant coaches. I'm really blessed to have
Brandon Crone and
Marquise Kiffin. They're as talented and hard working as any assistant coaches in America. They are bright guys and I lean on them every day."
NSU built an enormous lead early in the first half and never looked back. The Sharks built a double-digit lead just five minutes into the game at 20-9. After missing their first two treys, NSU would make five of its next six 3-pointers. The run helped the Sharks build a 39-14 lead with over eight minutes remaining and leave the home crowd stunned. NSU would cruise to a 52-26 halftime lead.
NSU had its best half of basketball to start Saturday's game, with stellar play on offense and defense. NSU shot 20-for-32 from the floor and 8-for-13 from 3-point range. The Sharks held Tampa to 33 percent shooting, created nine turnovers and matched their four offensive rebounds.
"The first 20 minutes were about as good of basketball as we could play," said Tuell. "We executed extremely well. Tampa has been the best defensive team in the league this year. Anytime you can execute that well against a team as well coached and good as Tampa is, you have to be pleased."
NSU held its largest lead of the game two minutes into the second half at 61-28 when Carroll converted a layup and free throw. Tampa showed heart and never quit, cutting the deficit to 19 points just nine minutes later. However, the Sharks would reestablish their dominance down the stretch. NSU outscored Tampa, 21-11, over the final eight minutes and played its entire active roster during the stretch.
Overall, NSU held Tampa to under 40 percent shooting and shot 62.3 percent from the floor (33-for-53) and 64 percent from 3-point range (16-for-25). NSU has made 37 3-pointers over the last two games. Although Tampa cleaned up its ball handling in the second half, the Sharks still won the turnover battle, 12-13.
Stian Berg (Jr., Baerum, Norway) scored 13 points, 11 of which came in the first half, on 6-for-8 shooting. He pushed his league-leading 3-point percentage to 48.3 percent on the season.
Brian Cahill (Jr., Arlington, Va.) continued his consistent play with 11 points, four rebounds and two steals.
Ryan Steed (So., Miami) and
Brandon Patchan (Fr., Tampa, Fla.) came off the bench and combined for five points and a pair of rebounds.
NSU will finish the first half of conference play at home on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. against Saint Leo.
"It's good to have played seven games in the league and be in second place," said Tuell. "And it's especially good to come home Wednesday, although Saint Leo will be no picnic. We'll need to play every bit as good as today to have a chance on Wednesday."
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