FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – As the saying goes, "Big time players make big time plays." With the clock winding down in overtime, Nova Southeastern's David Dennis did just that, sinking the game-winning bucket with 1.5 seconds remaining to lift the Sharks past Benedict, 92-90, on Wednesday night. Nova Southeastern nearly let the contest slip away after the Tigers converted a lay-up on a full court pass with 0.4 seconds left in regulation to force the extra period. However, the Sharks leaned on both Dennis and freshman Malik Hardy to squeeze out the thrilling victory. Together, the two combined for 54 in the effort and came up with timely plays each and every time the Sharks needed one.   
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Score: Nova Southeastern 92, Benedict 90 (OT)
Records: Nova Southeastern (8-1), Benedict (8-3)
Location: The Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Get Social: Twitter - @NSU_MBasketball | Instagram - @NSU_MBasketball | Facebook - /NSUSharksAthletics

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1^st Half | Benedict came out sizzling from beyond the arc, hitting its first four attempts, to grab a 16-6 advantage just over three minutes into the contest. The hot start would eventually cool, though, as the Sharks gradually worked their way back into the ball game. Triggered by its strong half-court defense, Nova Southeastern reeled off a 9-2 run to pull even before claiming its first lead of the night on a deep three by Dennis. The point guard recorded 20 of his career-high tying 31 points in the opening half, giving the Sharks a slight 41-39 edge heading into the locker room.    

2^nd Half | Feeding off its momentum from just before the break, Nova Southeastern tallied nine of the first 11 points of the second half to stretch its cushion to 50-41. The margin later grew to double-digits when Dennis spotted Nick Smith for the knock-down three from just in front of the Sharks' bench. However, Benedict clawed back with a 15-5 spurt and reclaimed a one-point edge on two of Brandon Morris' team-high 19 points. After both teams traded leads twice, the Sharks ripped off eight straight points, including six in a matter of 20 seconds by Hardy. Once again, though, the Tigers battled back to even the contest with 19 seconds to play in regulation. Cool, calm and collected, Dennis converted what appeared to be the game-winner on a tough runner off the glass, but was overshadowed by Morris' crowd-stunning lay-up just moments later.

OT | Trailing 88-85 with 54 seconds showing, Isaac White connected on a timely trey from the wing to knot the ball game at 88-88. Following a Morris jumper, Hardy answered back by sinking a pair of clutch free throws before a Benedict turnover allowed for Dennis' game-winning floater to secure the Sharks' eighth victory in nine tries.

UP NEXT:
NSU will continue its 10-game home stretch by welcoming Elizabeth City State to the Rick Case Arena next Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET. For complete coverage of the action, follow the Sharks on Twitter @NSU_MBasketball or visit the schedule page on NSUSharks.com.