FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Twin 12-0 runs spurred the No. 8 Nova Southeastern University women's basketball team to a 60-55 victory over Rollins on Saturday afternoon at the NSU Arena.
 
The Sharks (8-1, 4-0 SSC) used the first stretch to take the lead, in the third quarter, and the second to put the game away, late in the fourth. The squad was led by a trio of top scorers – Molly Blomer (Sr., West Chester, Ohio), Monaye Merritt (R-Sr., Philadelphia, Pa.) and Kayla Wright (Jr., Lauderhill, Fla.) -- combining for just one less point than the entire Rollins (4-4, 1-2 SSC) squad.
 
The third quarter stretch saw the Sharks turn a 33-29 deficit into a 41-33 lead, keeping the Tars scoreless for 4:11 of gametime. Then, in the final period, Rollins cut what was as much as an eight-point disadvantage all the way down to one, at 49-48 with 3:42 to go. But Wright answered with a layup while drawing a foul, completing the three-point play to initiate another spurt of a dozen straight. Rollins wouldn't score again until there was just 40.4 seconds left, all but icing the victory for the Sharks, who made their final eight free throws before and during that timeframe.
 
Blomer was 6-of-11 from the field, making four 3-pointers and all four of her free throws, for a new career high of 20 points. Merritt had 19 points and five rebounds while leading the Sharks with eight assists and three steals, as well as garnering their only blocked shot of the afternoon. Last but not least, Wright scored 15 points and pulled down a team-best eight rebounds.
 
In outscoring Rollins 40-30 after the break, the Sharks committed only two turnovers in those 20 minutes and forced seven, outscoring their opposition in points-off-turnovers 10-0 (and 21-4 overall). Their nine total turnovers on Saturday was a season low.
 
Next for the women is a home game in 12 days, a Thursday matinee against Shaw. They and the Lady Bears will tip off at 2 p.m. on Dec. 17 at the NSU Arena.