FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. –
David Dennis recorded a game-high 24 points, and Nova Southeastern shrugged off 22
nd-ranked Eckerd en route to an 86-82 upset Wednesday night at the Rick Case Arena. The Tritons closed to within 81-80 with 1:15 remaining in regulation, but freshman
Nick Smith connected on a key three-point bucket out of a timeout as the Sharks eventually held on for the statement victory to improve to 10-2, 4-2 in the Sunshine State Conference.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Score: Nova Southeastern 86, No. 22 Eckerd 82
Records: Nova Southeastern (10-2, 4-2 SSC), Eckerd (12-2, 5-2 SSC)
Location: The Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
1
st Half | Nova Southeastern grabbed early command after
Dwayne Gibson's deep triple put the Sharks in front 11-5 at the 15:06 mark. With the Sharks holding onto the slight lead, Eckerd leading scorer Drushaun McLaurn was forced to the bench with 11:04 to play following his second foul and would not return for the remainder of the half. The Tritons would pull in front 22-17, but Nova Southeastern would soon find its rhythm and reel off a 16-2 run capped by a
Nick Stampley lay-up. A pair of
Lukas Landgren free throws extended the margin to as many as 11 until five straight points by Eckerd narrowed the gap to 37-31 heading into the break,
2
nd Half | Although Eckerd hung close, the Sharks responded each time the visitors appeared set to make a second-half push. Up 59-53, Gibson ignited a five-point swing by blocking a would-be lay-in by Trevon Young before Dennis found Smith for a timely trey on the other end. Dennis kept Nova Southeastern in front by seven after sinking his lone three-pointer of the ball game, with
Gerard Tarin's two-handed slam pushing the advantage back to double-digits with 6:56 to go. The nation's No. 22 program answered with a 9-2 spurt, though, to keep things interesting down the stretch. McLaurn had a chance to even up the contest in the final two minutes, yet converted just 1-of-2 at the line, allowing Smith to drill the three-point dagger to close out the momentous victory.
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:
- Prior to beating Eckerd, the Sharks; last ranked win came on Nov. 27, 2016 against Southern Connecticut State.
- Nova Southeastern lead for the final 25:30 of the ball game.
- Freshman Eddie Puisis earned his first career start on Wednesday, totaling six points and three rebounds in 28 minutes.
STATS OF THE NIGHT:
- Eckerd entered the night as the league leader in rebounding margin, but was outrebounded by the Sharks 41-37.
- Nova Southeastern's four freshmen combined for 42 points in the effort, including 13 by Smith and 12 by Stampley.
UP NEXT:
NSU will hit the road for the first time since Nov. 15 when it takes on Rollins this Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. For complete coverage of the action, follow the Sharks on Twitter @NSU_MBasketball or visit the
schedule page on NSUSharks.com.
