FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern Men's Basketball team picked up win No. 24 on Wednesday evening, defeating Barry 90-71. RJ Sunahara led the Sharks with 26 points on 75% from the field. Will Yoakum also contributed 19 points and 6 rebounds on 63/75/100 in the Sunshine State Conference victory.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Records: Nova Southeastern 24-0, 17-0 SSC | Barry 10-12, 6-11 SSC Score: Nova Southeastern 90, Barry 71
Location: Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Get Social: Instagram & Twitter – NSU_MBasketball | Facebook – NSU Men's Basketball

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half – The Sharks got started right away, with Jonathan Pierre hitting a three-pointer five seconds into the game. A terrific bounce pass from Dallas Graziani set up RJ Sunahara for a poster dunk over two Buccaneers. Staying hot, Will Yoakum hit back-to-back three pointers that helped NSU jump out to a 13-2 lead. Ryan Davis (5), Tomas Murphy (3) and Kobe Rodgers (2) all contributed in helping the Sharks go on a 10-0 run and take a 23-5 lead. A three-pointer from Rodgers and a three-point play from Sunahara gave NSU a 31-12 advantage with just over nine minutes remaining in the half. NSU jumped out to a 37-20 lead with just under six minutes left in the half after three free throws from Sunahara and Jake Maranville. As the first half winded down, the Bucs battled back and lowered the Sharks' lead to 37-29. A layup from Sunahara and

a pair of second-chance points from Yoakum extended the Sharks lead to 12 points with just over two minutes left in the half. Five consecutive points from Rodgers sent Nova Southeastern into halftime with a 46-31 lead over Barry.

Second Half – Yoakum started off the second half with a pair of second chance points after picking up an offensive rebound and banking in a layup. Sunahara completed a highlight play after falling into Barry's bench, getting up and hitting a three-pointer from the left wing. Rodgers made a tough, fast-break layup but was injured on the landing. Sunahara and Pierre made layups and Graziani made a three-ball in a 7-0 run for the Sharks with just under 13 minutes remaining. After a perfect pass from Yoakum, Pierre posterized a Barry defender to put NSU up 64-42. Four free throws, a dunk from Murphy, a three-ball from Sunahara and a mid-range from Yoakum helped Nova Southeastern earn a 79-53 advantage with nearly seven minutes remaining in the game. A three-pointer from Graziani and free throws from Maranville, Sunahara and Lukas Spiedel helped NSU retain its lead late, and pick up a 90-71 win over Barry.

STATS OF THE NIGHT

- Three Sharks reached double figures: Sunahara (26), Yoakum (19) and Rodgers (14).

- NSU had 19 offensive rebounds and 18 second-chance points.

- Yoakum has scored at least 19 points in six of his last eight games.

UPCOMING

The Sharks will travel to Tampa for another SSC matchup on Saturday, Feb. 18. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m.