FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – No. 1 Nova Southeastern began their postseason run on Tuesday evening, improving to 28-0 with a dominant 106-71 victory over eighth-seeded Barry from the Rick Case Arena. All 11 players for the top-ranked Sharks recorded points, including Jonathan Pierre leading the way with a game-high of 21, while shooting 50% from the field.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Records – No. 1 Nova Southeastern 28-0 | Barry 12-14
Score – No. 1 Nova Southeastern 106 | Barry 71
Location – Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half – Two minutes into the SSC Quarterfinal matchup, RJ Sunahara converted an and-one for the Sharks, giving NSU an early 5-4 lead. Will Yoakum knocked down a three-pointer, and started a 13-3 run for Nova Southeastern, extending the Sharks lead to 18-7. Lukas Speidel recorded five consecutive points for the Sharks, before Pierre knocked down a three-point bucket to give NSU a 26-12 lead midway through the first half. With less than four minutes remaining in the opening half, the Sharks lead surpassed 20-points (44-23). NSU went into the halftime break leading 50-33.

Second Half – Yoakum started the second half in emphatic fashion, slamming down a dunk off an assist from Sunahara. A few moments later, Yoakum returned the favor, dishing an assist to Sunahara for a dunk of his own and pushed the Sharks lead to 58-33. Four minutes into the first half, Yoakum capped off a 16-0 run to open the second half for Nova Southeastern, as the Sharks doubled up Barry's score. Alex Mangold knocked down a three-pointer, pushing NSU's advantage over 40-points (91-50). The Sharks closed out the Sunshine State Conference Quarterfinal victory over the Buccaneers, 106-71.

STATS OF THE NIGHT
No. 1 Nova Southeastern has now won 39 consecutive home games, dating back to Feb. 26, 2020, when the Sharks also defeated Barry.
NSU's defense continues to cause the opposition fits, as the Sharks outscored the Buccaneers 29-4 off of turnovers.
Nova Southeastern received contributions from every active player on the roster. The Sharks bench outscored Barry's 46-17.

UPCOMING
No. 1 Nova Southeastern has advanced to the Sunshine State Conference Semifinals and will host fourth-seeded Florida Tech on Thursday, March 2. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.