FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – Nova Southeastern women's basketball team kicks off the holiday break with a 75-71 victory in a back-and-forth game with Saginaw Valley State. The Sharks had four student-athletes finish with double figures in this afternoon's matchup. 
 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP 
Records: Nova Southeastern 9-1, 2-1 SSC | Saginaw Valley State 7-5 
Score: Nova Southeastern 75, Saginaw Valley State 71 
Location: Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 
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HOW IT HAPPENED  

First Half – Madison Frederick put the first points on the board for the Sharks, knocking down a three-pointer in the opening minutes of the game. Midway through the quarter Saginaw Valley extended their lead to six. Sarei McGill answered with a layup and Mackenzie Steele made a three-pointer in the ensuing possession to bring the Sharks within one. The Cardinals were able to hold on to a four-point lead heading into the second quarter. Saginaw jumped out to a seven-point lead, but the Sharks would not be denied. With just under seven minutes remaining in the quarter, Kyarrah Grant sparked a 9-0 run for NSU, bringing the score to 27-25 and giving the Sharks their first lead of the game. Most of the second quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with the Cardinals reclaiming the lead at the end of the half. 

Second Half – Hailey Conley came out aggressive, scoring nine out of the Sharks first 11 points. The Sharks defense followed suit, making the Cardinals turn the ball over four times in the quarter. Towards the end of the third quarter, McGill made a driving layup to tie the game at 50 apiece heading into the final frame. Conley and McGill got it started for the Sharks, scoring layups on back-to-back possessions. At the 2:49 mark, Steele knocked down a three-pointer to give NSU a 65-63 lead. The Sharks then made 10 out of their next 12 free throws to seal the game. NSU wins this showdown, bringing their overall record to 9-1. 

STATS OF THE NIGHT 
Hailey Conley (21 points), Mackenzie Steele (14 points), Sarei McGill (13 points), and Madison Frederick (13 points) all scored over 10-points. 

UPCOMING  
Nova Southeastern takes on Bluefield State in the second half of a back-to-back on Monday, Dec. 19. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. EST.  
 
To stay up-to-date on Sharks Women's Basketball, be sure to follow on Instagram and Twitter at NSU_WBasketball.