FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.-. A well-balanced offensive effort and tenacious defense propelled the Nova Southeastern Women's basketball team to their first victory of the season on Friday afternoon from the Rick Case Arena. Double-digit efforts from Kailyn Terrell (16), Aubrey Stupp (14), Nicole Scales (11), and Alana Ellis (10) led the Sharks to the victory over Purdue-Northwest.
SCORE: Nova Southeastern 80, Purdue University Northwest 46
RECORDS: Nova Southeastern 1-2, Purdue University Northwest 2-3
LOCATION: Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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First half – Ellis got the action started with a hard drive to the basket for two. In the ensuing possession, Terrell knocked down a quick three-pointer, which was followed by another layup from Ellis, giving NSU a quick 7-0 lead. The Pride would answer with five straight points to cut the Sharks lead to two with just under seven minutes remaining in the quarter. Both teams hunkered down defensively, not allowing a single point for several minutes. Towards the end of the quarter, Stupp would break the scoring drought with a free throw to give NSU an 11-8 lead as they headed to the second. Stupp picked up where she left off, scoring back-to-back layups to kick off the second quarter. With two minutes remaining in the quarter, a layup from Ellis would give the Sharks a 10-point lead, their biggest lead of the match up to that point. A late three-pointer from The Pride brought the score to 26-19 heading into the half.
Second half - The Sharks got off to a hot start in the second half, going on an 11-0 run, thanks to baskets from Scales, Ellis, Jess Moors, and Terrell. The Sharks stayed aggressive offensively and ended the third quarter on a 7-0 run, giving themselves a 26-point lead as they headed to the fourth. The defensive onslaught continued in the final quarter as several steals led to buckets on the other end for NSU, extending their lead to 62-33 three minutes into the quarter. With just under three minutes remaining, a Madison Frederick layup would give the Sharks their biggest lead of the game (35). NSU kept the intensity up defensively and ultimately secured the 80-46 victory over Purdue University Northwest.
Kailyn Terrell: 16 points, four steals
Aubrey Stupp: 14 points
Nicole Scales: 11 points, four assists
Alana Ellis: 10 points
Head Coach LeAnn Freeland-Curry - Our players defended hard and together today. After opening weekend, we identified our weaknesses and our players have worked hard to find another level. I'm proud of our team effort today. It was fun to watch. We made some offensive adjustments at halftime against Purdue Northwest's zone and opened up more opportunities around the basket.
Nova Southeastern takes on the Wildcats of Daemen in the second half of a back-to-back on Saturday, Nov. 25. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. EST.
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