FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. - The Nova Southeastern women's basketball team defeated the Eckerd Tritons in a thriller on Saturday afternoon at the Rick Case Arena. The Sharks' late defensive surge locked down the Tritons in their final possession, ultimately securing NSU's 60-59 SSC victory.
SCORE: No. 20 Nova Southeastern 60, Eckerd 59
RECORDS: No. 20 Nova Southeastern (18-4, 11-3 SSC), Eckerd (16-5, 11-4 SSC)
LOCATION: Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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First Half – Madison Cloonan and Alana Ellis jump-started the action with back-to-back baskets to give the Sharks an early 4-0 lead. The rest of the quarter featured a back-and-forth affair, with the Sharks holding on to a 17-15 lead heading into the second quarter. Michaela Cloonan and Corina Conley kicked off the second quarter action with four consecutive points to put the Sharks ahead 21-15. Eckerd continued to weather the storm, trading buckets with NSU, which ultimately led to a three-point deficit for the Tritons as they headed into the halftime break.
Second Half – The Sharks started the quarter with five consecutive points to take an eight-point lead, their biggest game lead. With 2:12 left in the third, a three-pointer by the Tritons put them ahead 40-39. Both teams would then enter the fourth quarter tied at 42 a piece. The final quarter was a dogfight, with neither side giving an edge. Late buckets by Payton Graber and Jess Moors put NSU ahead 60-59. The Sharks then hunkered down defensively, not allowing a shot on the Tritons final possession, securing today's SSC battle 60-59.
Head Coach LeAnn Freeland-Curry – It was quite a game today with Eckerd. They have a very talented team, and our players came to defend. Down the stretch, I thought our players locked in and made big plays on both ends to win this one. I'm proud of our toughness in this game. It was such a hard-fought game; it could have easily gone away.
The Sharks will stay home for their next matchup against the Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish on Wednesday, February 12th. Tip off is set for 5:30 p.m.
