FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – In a rematch of last year’s Sweet 16 matchup, the Nova Southeastern women’s basketball team started 2025 with a bang, taking down the Tampa Spartans in tonight’s SSC duel. Hot shooting from Aubrey Stupp (24 points) led the Sharks to the 63-53 upset victory.
SCORE: No. 22 Nova Southeastern 63, No.12 Tampa 53
RECORDS: No. 22 Nova Southeastern 10-2, 3-1 SSC, No. 12 Tampa 11-3, 3-1 SSC
LOCATION: Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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First Half – Corina Conley got the scoring started for NSU with a tough finish inside. Both teams then began to trade baskets throughout the rest of the quarter before back-to-back three pointers from Dash Shaw and Aubrey Stupp put NSU ahead 18-9 as they headed into the second quarter. Tampa kicked off the second quarter with a 7-2 run to cut NSU’s lead to four points. Shortly after, Stupp’s three-point barrage continued as she knocked down a three-pointer to put the Sharks up 23-16. Two minutes later, Stupp picked up where she left off, scoring back-to-back baskets bringing NSU’s lead to 27-20. UT stayed solid, scoring a couple late buckets to cut their deficit to five points heading into the halftime break.
Second Half – At the 5:59 mark a layup from Stupp pushed NSU ahead 40-30, their biggest lead of the game. Tampa then cut the Sharks lead to just five points but five consecutive points from Jess Moors and Mercedes Simmons put NSU ahead 45-35, ultimately leading to a 46-38 Shark advantage going into the final frame. Tampa came out aggressive and cut the Sharks lead to 48-44 but then NSU would go on a 12-3 run to go ahead 60-47. Nova Southeastern continued to keep their foot on the gas pedal and secured tonight’s New Years matchup against the Tampa Spartans 63-53.
Aubrey Stupp– 24 points
Jess Moors – 12 points, one steal
Dash Shaw – 10 points
Head Coach LeAnn Freeland-Curry – We had to grind out a big win today against a very talented Tampa team/ Our players did a great job digging in defensively to get big stops late to seal the win. Aubrey played a great overall game for us today. She hit a lot of perimeter shots early, which we needed against their zone.
Aubrey Stupp – Super excited for how we kicked off the 2025 year. We are taking huge strides and this was a great win for us. We are ready for the next one
Nova Southeastern will hit the road to take on Eckerd College this Saturday, January 4th at 2:00 P.M.
To stay up-to-date on Sharks Women’s Basketball, follow on Instagram and Twitter at NSU_WBasketball.
