LAKELAND, Fla. - The Nova Southeastern women's basketball team kicked off 2024 with a bang, taking down the Florida Southern Mocs for their seventh consecutive victory. Aubrey Stupp led the way for the Sharks, scoring a season-high 22 points.
SCORE: Nova Southeastern 64, Florida Southern 53
RECORDS: Nova Southeastern 9-3, 4-1 SSC, Florida Southern 7-5, 0-5 SSC
LOCATION: George W. Jenkins Field House | Lakeland, Fla.
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First Half – Baskets from Jess Moors, Stupp, and Zeyno Seren put the Sharks up 7-3 halfway through the first quarter. With just under two minutes remaining in the quarter, India Shepherd knocked down a three-pointer to put the Sharks up seven. Stupp followed that up with a layup to close out a 16-point quarter for NSU. Shepherd came out aggressive in the second quarter, scoring four of the Sharks first six points. With 2:31 left in the quarter, a free throw from Kyarrah Grant extended NSU's lead to nine. The Mocs would claw their way back, bringing their deficit to four points as they headed into halftime.
Second Half - FSC tied the match at 29 a piece after back-to-back jumpers but a 10-0 run capped off by a layup from Stupp put the Sharks back up 40-29 with 4:38 left to play in the third quarter. NSU's tenacious defense continued to create opportunities on the other end, helping the Sharks maintain a 12-point lead as they headed into the final frame. Moors and Scales got the Sharks started in the final quarter, scoring the first five points for NSU. With just under five minutes remaining in the match, a layup from Grant extended NSU's lead to 20, their largest lead of the game. A late push from the Mocs brought their deficit to as little as nine but it wasn't enough to complete the comeback as NSU secured the 64-53 victory over Florida Southern.
Aubrey Stupp notched her seventh consecutive double-digit effort.
Head Coach LeAnn Freeland-Curry: "Our players played so hard together to earn this road win. Our defensive intensity enabled us to hold them to 53 points. We shared the ball well on offense and showed patience to work for a good shot in the half-court. We also hit some very tough shots, willing the ball in numerous times. I'm proud of the players for their strong team effort for this win."
Nova Southeastern will return home for an SSC Showdown against the Tampa Spartans on Saturday, January 6th. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.
