FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The top-ranked Nova Southeastern Sharks (29-0, 20-0 SSC) have advanced to the Sunshine State Conference tournament finals for the fourth consecutive season, having won the title in 2021-22, and host the sixth-seeded Embry-Riddle Eagles (19-10, 10-10) on Sunday afternoon.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
No. 1 Nova Southeastern earned a pair of tight victories against the Eagles during the regular season, beating Embry-Riddle 88-76 on the road and then 98-90 in the regular season finale on February 25. The Sharks and Eagles are no strangers to postseason competition, having faced off in last season's NCAA South Region Championship game, where the
Sharks won 71-68 to advance to the Elite Eight for the second-time in program history.
During their Sunshine State Conference tournament run, the top-ranked Nova Southeastern Sharks dominated the eighth-seeded Buccaneers (106-71) and held off upset-minded #4 Florida Tech (95-89) in the semifinals.
On the other-side, #6 Embry-Riddle has advanced to the Sunshine State Conference tournament title game for the first time in program history. The Eagles upset third-seeded Florida Southern 96-88 and defeated #7 Rollins, 80-63, in the semifinal round.
WHAT TO WATCH
- Will Yoakum, the Sunshine State Conference Newcomer of the Year, averaged 26 points-per-game against the Eagles, both times leading the No. 1 Sharks in scoring.
- Jonathan Pierre continues to be an x-factor for Nova Southeastern, the sophomore guard was unavailable for NSU during the first contest against the Eagles, but recorded 20-points in the regular season finale, helping the Sharks complete a perfect regular season.
- The sixth-seeded Eagles are led by Malcolm Whitlow and All-SSC second-team member, Chris Murray. Whitlow, a junior guard, averages 18.1 points-per-game, while Murray averages 16.5 ppg.
TOURNAMENT CENTRAL
UPCOMING
The Sunshine State Conference Tournament final matchup between the No. 1 Sharks and sixth-seeded Embry-Riddle is set to tip-off from the Rick Case Arena.
