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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern men’s basketball team (3-3, 1-0 SSC) will look to start its Sunshine State Conference schedule with two straight wins as they travel to St. Petersburg, Fla. to face the Eckerd Tritons (3-2, 0-1 SSC) at 4 p.m. Saturday. The game will be broadcasted live on 640 Sports.

The Sharks enter the game on a high after winning their first SSC game of the season against Barry last Saturday, 65-64. Tim Traversa  (Jr., Chicago, Ill.) made the game-winning shot as he took over the matchup down the stretch, scoring his team’s last three baskets. The win gave the Sharks momentum and brought them back to a .500 record.

The Sharks will now look towards an Eckerd team that has had their number over the last few years. The Sharks have lost four straight games to the Tritons, all of which came in double-digit fashion.

“The past couple of years Eckerd has out-worked us, out-hustled us and when push came to shove we wilted under their pressure,” stated head coach Gary Tuell. “I don’t know why that is, but they definitely have been the tougher, more aggressive team on the days we’ve played them. We have to find a way to turn that around. You can’t play soft or be nonchalant against them because they will definitely capitalize on your weaknesses.

“Eckerd is always one of the best-conditioned teams in the league, and they always have oodles of talent. This Eckerd team is no different than others. Lance Kearse, who is playing a fifth season thanks to an unusual NCAA ruling, is perhaps the best all-around athlete in our league. Walade Wade and Darrien Mack are outstanding athletes and players. There’s a reason why they’re picked as the second choice in the league. It starts with Tom Ryan and the coaching job he does year in and year out, and it trickles down to a lineup of very talented and experienced players. We’ve played some very good teams, but I’m not sure we’ve seen anyone as good as Eckerd.”

NSU will be coming off a finals week that has had a very light practice schedule. Tuell’s squad has prepared more for passing tests than concentrating on its next opponent, which could be a disadvantage against an experienced Eckerd team.

On the bright side, the game will mark the return of Sean Mullan (Jr., Mangerton, Australia) who is coming back from an injury he suffered against West Georgia. This will be the second time this season that the Sharks have had all five of their projected starters in the lineup. With Mullan leaving the game early against West Georgia, it could also be the first time Tuell and the coaching staff will be able to see how their entire lineup plays together from start to finish.

“Without the opportunity to practice and prepare the way we normally would, and based on our recent history of not competing very well against them, I’m pretty sure Eckerd’s guys will be thrilled to see us walk through the doors,” said Tuell. “But I like our team, I like the growth we continue to show and the way guys are coming together and accepting roles. We’re beginning to figure out who can do what and we’re slowly finding the things that work best for us, as well as the things that don’t work.

“We’re a much better shooting team than we’ve shown and sooner or later we’re going to start putting the ball in the basket with more consistency. Our defense has a long way to go, but the guys are working to improve. I don’t know if you can basically take a week off from practice and make improvement or progress, and that’s the reality of the situation we’re in on Saturday. But I believe in our guys and I think they’ll give us what they can.”

Fans can listen to the game on 640 Sports or on the web HERE. Live stats will also be available HERE. Follow the men’s basketball team on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/NSU_MBasketball.