FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Following a full week-long lay-off, the Nova Southeastern Sharks return to action Saturday at 4 p.m. ET in search of a key Sunshine State Conference victory when the Lynn Fighting Knights visit NSU Arena.
 
Since starting 1-0 in league play, the Sharks have dropped three straight in the SSC following a 98-90 defeat at Florida Tech on December 3. A win Saturday will go a long way, though, not only in the conference standings but also in terms of the team's mentality with the next SSC contest not until January 4.
 
Nova Southeastern's offense has been incredibly efficient, ranking second in the SSC in field goal percentage (0.506 percent). The problem that continually has plagued the Sharks, however, has been their carelessness with the ball. Entering the weekend, Nova Southeastern sits dead last in the league in turnovers, surrendering 17.7 per game. In their previous two losses alone, the Sharks have allowed 45 points off a combined 36 turnovers, including a costly 30 points off miscues in a single-digit contest against Florida Tech.
 
Despite the recent rough patch, senior Harrison Goodrick has elevated his play to an entirely different level over the past couple of weeks. In his last two games, Goodrick has torched SSC competition for 28.5 points and 8.5 rebounds on nearly 76 percent shooting from the field. The Aussie finished a near-perfect 11-of-12 from the floor versus then-No. 9 Barry and now ranks among the top-6 in the conference in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage.  
 
In contrast to the Sharks, Lynn has struggled mightily shooting the ball thus far this season. Despite receiving a combined 35.0 points per game from Marquan Bolley and Jamal Palmer, the Knights have converted on a league-low 39.8 percent of their shot attempts and as a result enter Saturday as the lone   remaining winless team in SSC play.  
 
Lynn fell victim to Eckerd in its latest contest by a final margin of 73-56, and has now lost its three conference matchups by an average of 18.3 points per game.
 
NSU has won three of the past four meetings in the series at home, earning an 88-84 'W' over the Knights last November.
 
NSU encourages fans to get in the holiday spirit by wearing their favorite holiday sweater for Saturday afternoon's game. For complete coverage of the action, visit NSUSharks.com or follow the Sharks on Twitter @NSU_MBasketball.