WINTER PARK, Fla. – Despite holding a one-point lead in the final two minutes of play, the Nova Southeastern University women's basketball team was unable to halt Rollins College's seven-game winning streak on Wednesday night, as the Tars pulled away with a 63-59 win.
 
The Sharks (14-9, 10-5 SSC) were ready to play in the first quarter, firing on all engines as the Sharks jumped out to an eight-point lead within the first five minutes of play. The Tars (16-6, 10-4 SSC) were able to come within two (16-14) with just over a minute left in the frame, but a three pointer by Megan Piggott, her first of four, pushed the Sharks back out to a five-point lead.
 
The momentum continued to stay on NSU's side throughout the first half of the second until at the 5:06 mark, the Tars took the lead with a pair of free throws made by Brittany Betts. The rest of the frame was a close affair, as the largest deficit seen was three points. With less than 30 seconds left on the clock, Rollins utilized a layup by Denise Daniels to knot the game, 30-30, heading into halftime.
 
The theme of a close came continued into the third quarter as the lead changed three times. Rollins grabbed its largest lead of the game, 34-30, before Octavia Wilson sank a three and Piggott drained two consecutively, to give NSU a five-point lead with 7:10 remaining. The Tars were able to take the lead back once more, 40-39, until the two teams battled for the lead, eventually ending up tied once more at the buzzer, 44-44, with one quarter to go.
 
With eight minutes remaining, a trey by Samantha Logan pushed the Sharks to a 50-46 lead, but the Tars were able to chip away at the deficit to take back the lead, 52-50. The remainder of the game saw six lead changes as either team refused to give up. A layup by Maria Bardeeva with 1:30 left served as NSU's final lead of the game, as the Tars went on a five-point run to seal the 63-59 victory.
 
Piggott and Amanda Tivenius were the night's leading scorers, each recording 14 points apiece. Coming off the bench, Piggott went 5-for-6 from the field and 4-for-5 from three-point range while also tallying two assists. Christen Prasse tallied nine points to go along with a game-high five assists while Logan pulled down nine boards to go with four assists and two steals.
 
The Sharks will take on the SSC top-ranked Eckerd Tritons on Saturday afternoon, looking to split the series after a 64-52 loss earlier this season in St. Petersburg. For live coverage, head to the women's basketball schedule page at NSUSharks.com.