FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Malik Hardy poured in a season-high 32 points, yet was overshadowed as Florida Tech's Sam Daniel erupted for 47 of his own to hand 24^th-ranked Nova Southeastern a 103-99 defeat Saturday night at the Rick Case Arena. The Sharks nearly erased a 13-point deficit in the game's final minute, but ran out of time, ending their previous six-game win streak to open the season.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Score: Florida Tech 103, Nova Southeastern 99
Records: Florida Tech (4-6, 1-3 SSC), Nova Southeastern (6-1, 3-1 SSC)
Location: The Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
1^st Half | Daniel didn't waste any time finding his rhythm Saturday night. The league's leading scorer recorded 14 of his team's first 19 points of the contest to put Florida Tech in front by five less than seven minutes into the ball game. Nova Southeastern trailed by as many as seven in the first half, but whittled away at the margin thanks to the strong play of point guard David Dennis. As part of a 14-3 run, Dennis linked up with Gerard Tarin for an alley-oop before helping the Sharks grab a four-point cushion with a steal and a lay-up. A three-point play allowed the Panthers to regain the lead with 1:07 remaining. However, despite Daniel's 26 first-half points, Nova Southeastern trailed just 44-43 heading into the break.

2^nd Half | Held to seven points in the opening 20 minutes, Hardy responded with a monster second half, accounting for 25 of his team-high 32 points. His three-point bucket at the 16:42 mark gave the Sharks a slight 50-48 edge. Nova Southeastern struggled to consistently pick up defensive stops, though, as back-to-back field goals by Daniel helped Florida Tech reopen a double-digit lead midway through the half. Unable to cut into the margin, the Sharks found themselves down by 13 with 57 seconds to play, yet didn't go quietly. Dennis closed the gap to seven following a steal and three-point make. Nick Smith would then narrow the deficit to six after draining a deep three of his own. Another triple by Smith made it a five-point differential with 12 seconds left before Hardy pulled the Sharks to within three following three straight free throws. The late-game effort showed up a bit too late, though, as Florida Tech's Michael Milligan converted 1-of-2 at the line in the final second to secure the victory for the Panthers.  

UP NEXT:
NSU will face a quick turnaround, hosting NYIT this Monday at 6 p.m. ET. For complete coverage of the action, follow the Sharks on Twitter @NSU_MBasketball or visit the schedule page on NSUSharks.com.