FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The fourth-ranked Nova Southeastern Sharks used a dominant second-half to beat Eckerd 102-77, earning their seventh consecutive victory to open the season. RJ Sunahara set a new career-high in points, scoring 36 on 13-18 shooting from the field to lead the Sharks.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Score: No. 4 Nova Southeastern 102, Eckerd 77
Records: No. 4 Nova Southeastern 7-0, 2-0 SSC | Eckerd 3-3, 1-2 SSC
Location: Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half – Eckerd and Nova Southeastern engaged in a defensive battle in the opening minutes of the Sunshine State Conference showdown, as the score was tied at 7-7 after six minutes of action. Lukas Speidel scored five consecutive points for NSU, allowing the Sharks to take an 18-11 lead over the Tritons nearing the midway point of the opening half. Back-to-back three-pointers from Mike Moore and Sunahara pushed the NSU advantage to 26-17. Eckerd closed the gap to just five, but Sunahara beat eh buzzer to send the game into the halftime break with the Sharks leading 42-35.

Second Half – NSU wasted no time getting its lead into double-digits following the break, as Dallas Graziani converted an and-one, putting the score at 47-35. Nova Southeastern held a double-digit lead for much of second half, but Eckerd cut their deficit to six points after hitting a three-pointer. Yoakum halted any-and-all Tritons momentum, scoring five straight points, including knocking down a three-pointer to put the Sharks ahead 75-64. Sunahara helped extend the Nova Southeastern lead from the free throw line, as NSU led 87-64 with 6:26 remaining in the half. The Sharks sealed their seventh consecutive win and second in SSC play, defeating Eckerd 102-77 from the Rick Case Arena.
 
STATS OF THE NIGHT
Associate Head Coach Jordan Fee assumed the role of leading the Sharks on Saturday evening, earning his first career win.
Five Sharks scored in double digits, including four of the NSU starters. Sunahara led the way with a career-best 36, while Will Yoakum (15), Lukas Speidel (15), Jonathan Pierre (14) and Dallas Graziani (10) provided a balanced offensive output for Nova Southeastern.
 
UPCOMING
No. 4 Nova Southeastern returns to the hardwood on Sat., December 10, as the Sharks take on Palm Beach Atlantic. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.
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