JACKSON, TN. – The #24 ranked Nova Southeastern Women’s Basketball team opened up the NCAA Tournament with a thrilling victory over the sixth-seeded Alabama-Huntsville Chargers on Friday afternoon at the Fred DeLay Gymnasium. Corina Conley was sensational, spearheading the Sharks with a career high 30 points on 11/13 shooting. Michaela Cloonan rounded out the double-digit scoring for the Sharks with 12 points.
SCORE: Nova Southeastern 80, Alabama-Huntsville 73
RECORDS: Nova Southeastern (26-6, 16-4 SSC), Alabama Huntsville (25-7, 18-4 SSC)
LOCATION: Jackson, TN | Fred DeLay Gymnasium
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First Half – Alabama Huntsville came out firing on all cylinders, taking an early 15-8 lead before eight straight points by Conley brought the Sharks within four. With 1:45 left to play in the quarter, a layup by Michaela Cloonan cut NSU’s deficit to 17-19. The Chargers then closed out the quarter outscoring the Sharks 7-4 to hold onto a 26-21 advantage going into the second quarter. NSU kicked off the quarter on an 8-0 run, featuring baskets from Corina Conley (5) and Mercedes Simmons (3). The Chargers weathered the storm, cutting their deficit to one point midway through the quarter. The rest of the quarter featured a back-and-forth affair as the Sharks held on to a 45-39 lead going into the halftime break.
Second Half – The Chargers started the second half on a 12-0 run to go ahead 51-47 before a layup by Michaela Cloonan stopped Alabama-Huntsville run. Tenacious defense by NSU kept the Chargers at bay as they tied the game at 55 apiece going into the final frame. Aubrey Stupp jump started a 6-0 NSU run to take a 61-55 advantage with 7:34 left to play. UAH clawed their way back and went up 66-65 towards the end of the quarter. Conley then took matters into her own hands, scoring nine straight points to push the Sharks ahead 74-68, ultimately leading NSU to an 80-73 victory in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. 
Corina Conley – 30 points on 11/13 shooting, six rebounds, scored 1000th career point. 
Head Coach LeAnn Freeland-Curry – It’s always good to get the first win under our belt in the NCAA. Our players were focused, determined and composed for forty minutes. And, what a game for Corina!!! Round two tomorrow!
The Sharks will return to action tomorrow in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. They will take on Embry-Riddle in a rematch of this year’s SSC Championship. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM EST.
