MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – The second-ranked Nova Southeastern Sharks Men’s Basketball team opened their 2023-24 season with a dominant 124-96 victory over the Montevallo Falcons on Friday afternoon from the Health & Sports Center on the campus of Barry University. Six Sharks scored in double digits in the victory – Shane Hunter (18 points), GianFranco Grafals (18), Isaiah Fuller (15), Ryker Cisarik (15), MJ Iraldi (12), and Trey Doomes (10).
No. 2 Nova Southeastern has now won 37 consecutive games and is 68-1 dating back to the start of the 2021-22 season.
Records: No. 2 Nova Southeastern 1-0 | Montevallo 0-1
Score: No. 2 Nova Southeastern 124, Montevallo 96
Location: Health & Sports Center | Miami Shores, Fla.
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First Half – The Sharks began the game on a 6-2 run, as Shane Hunter recorded the first four points of the season for NSU, before MJ Iraldi finished a layup following an assist from Isaiah Fuller. Ryan Walsh notched the first points of his collegiate career, knocking down a three-pointer to reclaim the lead for the Sharks at 9-8. Midway through the half, the Sharks trailed the Falcons 28-21, but Hunter flipped the momentum, recording a steal and going coast-to-coast to finish an and-one, cutting Montevallo’s lead to four points. A few moments later, Ryan Davis knocked down a three-pointer, reclaiming the lead for NSU at 29-28. Nova Southeastern closed out the first half on a 29-14 run, heading into the break with a 64-50 lead over the Falcons.
Second Half – In the early minutes of the second half, Mike Moore responded to a Montevallo three-pointer with one of his own, putting the score at 68-53 in favor of the Sharks. Hunter once again made an impact on the defensive end, adding another steal, before finishing off a fast break dunk, giving Nova Southeastern a 72-55 lead. The Sharks up-tempo style continued to bother the Falcons, as GianFranco Grafals forced a turnover, leading to a Ryker Cisarik dunk – off an assist by Trey Doomes – giving the Sharks an 80-59 advantage. Midway through the second half, Doomes put the Sharks ahead 100-67 with a free throw. Nova Southeastern closed out the season opening 124-96 victory by outscoring Montevallo 60-46 in the second half. 
Nova Southeastern outscored Montevallo 38-20 in points off turnovers.
The Sharks bench made a tremendous impact in the outcome, outscoring the Falcons bench 62-38 in the win.
Shane Hunter: 18 points, 8-9 FG, five rebounds, two blocks, two steals
GianFranco Grafals: 18 points, 50% FG
Isaiah Fuller: 15 points, 50% FG, four steals, six assists
Head Coach Jim Crutchfield – “I thought our team maintained a good level of intensity from start to finish in a very up-tempo game. A lot of players contributed and it was a good overall team effort. A lot of new guy’s experiencing “Sharks Basketball” for the first time.” 
No. 2 Nova Southeastern returns to action on Saturday, November 11th, taking on the University of Alabama-Huntsville for the first time since last season’s NCAA South Region Championship game. To stay up-to-date on Sharks Basketball, be sure to follow on Instagram and X at NSU_MBasketball.
