FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The Nova Southeastern University women's basketball team (14-10, 10-6 SSC) fell to the No. 24 Eckerd Tritons (20-4, 13-2 SSC) on Saturday afternoon at the Rick Case Arena, by a score of 66-46.
The Tritons took their first lead just 11 seconds after the opening tip-off, and only allowed the Sharks to tie the ballgame once before re-taking the lead and holding onto it for the rest of the game. Despite out-rebounding Eckerd 7-0 on the offensive end, the Sharks struggled to find their shot, scoring just two second-chance points. The Tritons did not have the same difficulty, with all eight of their field goals coming in the paint.
The Sharks controlled the ball well in the second, not committing a turnover in the entire quarter, but they still were unable to make field goals consistently, shooting under 30 percent from the field. They managed to stay in the game by getting to the line, with five points at the charity stripe in seven attempts, cutting their deficit down from eight after the first to six at halftime.
Eckerd opened the half on a 9-2 run to build the lead up to 13 points, their largest of the game at that point, before the Sharks needed a 7-0 response of their own to get it back down to six. The Tritons got the margin back into double-digit territory going into the final frame, and the Sharks had their work cut out for them in their pursuit of a comeback.
Christen Prasse hit a 3-pointer about halfway through the final period to cut it back down to a six-point game; it was not meant to be, however, as the Tritons exploded on a 17-3 run to end the game, including the last 11 points.
Maria Bardeeva came off the bench to share in the team lead of 11 points with
Amanda Tivenius, the only two Sharks to finish in double digits. Bardeeva also added eight rebounds to lead the team, while Prasse and
Samantha Logan were not far behind at seven each. Prasse also had a team-high four assists.
On the other side, Kacie Juday led four Tritons in double figures with 13 points, and all four of them joined to lead their team with five rebounds apiece, as well.
The Sharks will travel to Daytona Beach next to visit the Embry-Riddle Eagles on Wednesday, Feb. 15, before they return home on Feb. 18, when they host the Saint Leo Lions on Senior Day. For complete coverage, visit NSUSharks.com.
