Box Score
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The No. 4 Nova Southeastern women's basketball team survived an upset bid by Palm Beach Atlantic on Saturday afternoon at the NSU Arena, scoring the last four points to win, 76-72.
The Sharks (19-1) led by as many as 14 in the first half, and as many as 12 after the break. They were still up 11 with 7:37 to go, but PBA (7-17) went on a 14-3 run over the next 6:39 to tie things up at 72-72 with 58 seconds left.
On the ensuing NSU possession,
Jessica Russi (Sr., Lake Mary, Fla.) fed
Jasmine Wilkins (R-Jr., Miami) down low, and her drive and contested layin put the Sharks up two with 32.4 seconds left.
The Sharks forced a turnover and had it out-of-bounds with 18.9 seconds, but were unable to get it in before the five-count, giving it back to the Sailfish with a chance to tie. Kimmie McIntosh's jumper with nine seconds left rimmed out, and Russi gathered the rebound and was fouled. It was still 1-and-1 at that point, but the senior made both free throws to provide the final margin.
"PBA played a great game today, especially considering they are down to seven healthy players," said head coach LeAnn Freeland. "Moving forward, we need to be stronger with the ball and more determined to get a shot each possession. Our staff was proud of our composure down the stretch to finish the game."
Richelle Carach (Sr., Naples, Fla.) led the Sharks and tied her career high with 22 points, which included 6-of-8 shooting and 9-for-11 from the free throw line. She had nine of NSU's first 13, and 16 before the break.
Taylor Buie (So., Puyallup, Wash.) and Wilkins each had 14, and
Danielle Robinson (Jr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) added 12. Wilkins and Robinson tied for the team lead with seven rebounds, while Russi had nine assists and three steals.
The Sailfish were led by Kasie Parker with 27 points, while McIntosh had 20. They were a combined 20-of-37 from the field, and each notched four steals as well.
NSU is back in action Wednesday, hosting Lynn at the NSU Arena. Game time is 5:30 p.m.
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