Sunahara, Yoakum Lead #4 NSU past Francis Marion

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The fourth-ranked Nova Southeastern Sharks Men’s Basketball team continued their hot start to the season, defeating Francis Marion 102-82 on Saturday evening from the Rick Case Arena. The tandem of Will Yoakum (22 points) and RJ Sunahara (27/11 rebounds) led the Sharks to the win, while Jonathan Pierre contributed 18 points off the bench for NSU.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Records: No. 4 Nova Southeastern 5-0, Francis Marion 3-2
Score: No. 4 Nova Southeastern 102, Francis Marion 82
Location: Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Get Social: Instagram and Twitter – NSU_MBasketball | Facebook – NSU Men’s Basketball

HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half – Nova Southeastern set the tone early on in the contest, as a steal from Sunahara set up a Kobe Rodgers three-point bucket to put NSU ahead 3-0. Yoakum sparked a brief 6-0 run for the Sharks, putting the score at 13-6 with 14:48 remaining in the contest. Pierre knocked down back-to-back three pointers, putting Nova Southeastern in front 21-11. With less than eight minutes remaining in the first half, Rodgers went coast-to-coast, recording a steal and finishing off a fast break dunk to extend the Sharks advantage to 35-19. NSU closed out the first half with a 20-point advantage, as Mike Moore hit a three-pointer right before the buzzer, sending the game into halftime with the Sharks leading 53-33.

Second Half – Francis Marion was able to use the halftime break to make necessary adjustments and cut the NSU lead to just nine points, as the Patriots outscored the Sharks 15-4 over the opening four minutes of the second half. Nearing the midway point of the half, FMU continued to cut into the NSU advantage, putting the score at 69-61, but Sunahara converted an and-one opportunity to put NSU back in front by double digits. The and-one started a streak of seven consecutive points scored by Sunahara, before Yoakum knocked down a three-point attempt, extending the Sharks lead to 79-66. A dunk by Pierre put the Sharks lead at 100-79 with less than two minutes remaining in the game. The Sharks closed out the 102-82 victory, earning their fifth consecutive win to begin the 2022-23 campaign.

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

NSU’s top-ranked defense forced 27 turnovers during the contest, leading to the Sharks outscoring the Patriots 32-17 off turnovers.
RJ Sunahara recorded his first double-double of the season, finishing with 27 points and 11 rebounds, in addition to five assists, three blocks, and three steals.

UPCOMING
Sunshine State Conference action begins for the fourth-ranked Sharks, as the matchup with the Fighting Knights of Lymm on Wednesday, Nov. 30, from Boca Raton, Fla. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
 

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#4 Sharks Earn Win Against UPJ

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – The fourth-ranked Nova Southeastern Sharks Men’s Basketball team made their long-awaited return to the court on Tuesday evening, defeating Pitt.-Johnstown 94-75 and improving to 4-0 on the season. RJ Sunahara led the way for the Sharks, scoring 23 points, on 9-11 shooting, while adding three steals and six rebounds.  

INSIDE THE MATCHUP 

Records: No. 4 Nova Southeastern 4-0, Pitt.-Johnstown 2-2 

Score: No. 4 Nova Southeastern 94, Pitt.-Johnstown 75 

Location: Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 

Get Social: Instagram & Twitter – NSU_MBasketball 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

First Half – The Sharks began the game by taking a quick 4-0 lead, as Dallas Graziani and Sunahara each made layups. NSU and UPJ continued to battle throughout the game’s opening ten minutes, as the Mountain Cats held a 23-21 lead over Nova Southeastern with 10:38 remaining in the half. Graziani knocked down a three-pointer, putting the Sharks in front, and sparked a 17-0, giving Nova Southeastern a 38-23 lead. During the run, Jonathan Pierre knocked down a pair of three-pointers. NSU went into the halftime break leading 46-36.  

Second Half – NSU came out of the break with all the momentum, opening the second half on an 11-0 run, led by five points from Will Yoakum, putting the score at 57-36. At the midway point of the second half, Mike Moore knocked down a three-pointed, putting NSU ahead 77-55. The Sharks closed out the game, earning a 94-75 victory.  

STATS OF THE NIGHT 

#4 NSU outscored the Mountain Cats 26-16 off of turnovers.  

The Sharks bench helped maintain momentum, outscoring UPJ’s bench 33-24 

UPCOMING 

The fourth-ranked Sharks host the Patriots of Francis Marion on Saturday, Nov. 26, from the Shark Tank. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. To stay up-to-date on Sharks Basketball, be sure to follow on Instagram and Twitter at NSU_MBasketball.  

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#4 Sharks Celebrate Homecoming with Win in Front of Record-Setting Crowd

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The fourth-ranked Nova Southeastern Sharks Men’s Basketball team treated a sellout crowd for the homecoming game to a dominant, 108-73 victory over Fort Lauderdale on Friday evening from the Rick Case Arena. The Sharks welcomed a regular-season record, 1550 fans for the home opener.  

INSIDE THE MATCHUP 

Score: No. 4 Nova Southeastern 108, Fort Lauderdale 73 

Records: No. 4 Nova Southeastern 3-0, Fort Lauderdale 0-4 

Location: Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.  

Get Social: Instagram & Twitter – NSU_MBasketball 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

First Half – The Sharks got off to a fast start, scoring the game’s first points, following a Will Yoakum three-pointer and a dunk from RJ Sunahara. The Sharks extended their early run, opening up a 13-2 advantage, in the first four minutes of the game. NSU added an 11-0 run, spanning three minutes of game action, getting points from Mike Moore, Kobe Rodgers, Dallas Graziani, and Yoakum, putting the score at 24-4. At the midway point of the first half, Rodgers knocked down a three-pointer, as the Sharks led 30-13. Yoakum scored five consecutive points for Nova Southeastern, extending the lead to 47-19. The Sharks went into the halftime break leading the Eagles 57-33.  

Second Half – In the opening moments of the second half, Lukas Speidel took over for NSU, as the senior scored nine consecutive points for Nova Southeastern and extending the lead to 68-37. Following a steal by Graziani, Yoakum threw down another dunk to push the Sharks advantage to 73-41. A fastbreak dunk from Jonathan Pierre, after a steal from Shane Hunter, gave NSU an 88-49 lead at the midway point of the second half. Tommy Sala put Nova Southeastern over the century mark, hitting a layup, and made the score 100-63 in favor of NSU. The Sharks closed out the 108-73 win, in front of a record-setting regular season crowd, on homecoming over the Eagles.  

STATS OF THE NIGHT 

No. 4 Nova Southeastern has now won 24 consecutive games from the Rick Case Arena, dating back to Feb. 26, 2020.  

NSU outscored Fort Lauderdale 44-16 in points from turnovers. 

Will Yoakum (21) and Kobe Rodgers (20) each scored over 20 points for the Sharks.  

UPCOMING 

No. 4 Nova Southeastern returns to the Shark Tank and hosts Pittsburgh at Johnstown on Tuesday, November 22. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. 

To stay up-to-date on Sharks Men’s Basketball, be sure to follow on Instagram and Twitter at NSU_MBasketball.  

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Sharks Close Out Tournament with an Impressive Win

LAKELAND, Fla. – The fourth-ranked Nova Southeastern Sharks Men’s Basketball team continued their domination at the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic as they took a 95-65 victory over Dallas Baptist. Kobe Rodgers led the way with a double-double (18 points, 10 rebounds) to help the Sharks improve to 2-0 on the season.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
SCORE: No. 4 Nova Southeastern 95, Dallas Baptist 65
RECORDS: No. 4 Nova Southeastern 2-0, Dallas Baptist 0-2
LOCATION: Jenkins Field House | Lakeland, Fla.
GET SOCIAL: Instagram & Twitter – NSU_MBasketball

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half – Kobe Rodgers got the Sharks going, getting the opening basket of the game. From there, Will Yoakum took over scoring five, getting the Sharks off to an 11-2 run before a timeout by the Patriots. The Sharks remained on fire continuing to be unstoppable on offense. Out of the timeout from the Patriots, Jonathan Pierre drained a 3-pointer then followed it up with a big dunk. Points from Mike Moore, Will Yoakum, and Tomas Murphy brought the Sharks lead to 25-6 halfway through the first half. Kobe Rodgers made his presence felt in the final ten minutes of the first half scoring seven points. Points from RJ Sunahara, Jake Maranville, and Tomas Murphy helped contribute to the Sharks lead and gave them a 48-22 lead at the half.

Second Half– The Sharks got the second half off to another strong start, with RJ Sunahara scoring three consecutive baskets for the Sharks. The Sharks continued their domination in the second half. While it was more back-and-forth scoring, the Sharks never let up. With contributions from Lukas Speidel, Jonathan Pierre, Tommy Sala, and Dallas Graziani, the Sharks were able to cruise into victory. Sharks take down the Patriots 95-65.

STATS OF THE NIGHT

  • Five Sharks recorded double-digit points with Kobe Rodgers leading the way with 18.
  • Kobe Rodgers recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
  • Single-game Tournament record with 39 made field goals. 

Tournament Records (Two Game Totals)

  • 196 Total Points- 1st All-Time
  • 76 Total Field Goals- 1st All-Time
  • 148 Field Goal Attempts- 1st All-Time
  • 68 Three-Point Field Goal Attempts – 3rd All-Time
  • 45 Assists- 2nd All-Time
  • 23 Steals – 2nd All-Time

UPCOMING

No. 4 Nova Southeastern makes its home opener on Friday, November 11th at 7:00pm as they take on the University of Fort Lauderdale.

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#4 Sharks Open Season with Win over #24 UAH

LAKELAND, Fla. – The fourth-ranked Nova Southeastern Sharks Men’s Basketball team began the 2022-23 season with a dominant, 101-81 victory over No. 24 Alabama-Huntsville in the Sharks first game at the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic. Dallas Graziani recorded a double-double, with 20 points and 11 assists, in addition to a career-high six three-pointers, to lead the Sharks to the season opening win.  

INSIDE THE MATCHUP 

SCORE: No. 4 Nova Southeastern 101, No. 24 Alabama-Huntsville 81 

RECORDS: No. 4 Nova Southeastern 1-0, No. 24 Alabama-Huntsville 0-1 

LOCATION: Jenkins Field House | Lakeland, Fla.  

GET SOCIAL: Instagram & Twitter – NSU_MBasketball 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

First Half – Will Yoakum got the scoring started for the Sharks, knocking down a three-pointer to give NSU an early 3-2 lead. Mike Moore sealed a 9-2 run for the Sharks, spanning 2:30 of game action. Kobe Rodgers pushed the NSU advantage to 12-6, adding a three-pointer of his own. Moments later, Yoakum threw down a fastbreak dunk, off an assist from Dallas Graziani, giving the Sharks a 14-6 lead. The Chargers were able to cut the Nova Southeastern lead to 14-12, but Tomas Murphy halted the UAH momentum and started an 11-2 run by NSU. During the run, Murphy, Kobe Rodgers, Jonathan Pierre, Moore, and Jake Maranville all contributed points. With under eight minutes remaining in the first half, RJ Sunahara knocked down a three-pointer to put the Sharks ahead 31-21. Over a span of 61 seconds, Graziani hit three consecutive three-pointers for Nova Southeastern, extending the NSU advantage to 49-34. Graziani closed the half with his fifth three-point make, narrowly beating the buzzer, as Nova Southeastern went into the half leading 58-38. 

Second Half– The Sharks got the second half off to another strong start, as Murphy began the period by converting an and-one opportunity. Moments later, Sunahara finished off an and-one chance of his own, putting the Sharks ahead 64-41. UAH knocked down a pair of three-pointers but Yoakum responded with one of his own, maintaining the Sharks 20-point advantage. At the midway point of the second half, Maranville kept Nova Southeastern in front, 84-64, by knocking down a jumpshot. With just over five minutes left in the contest, Sunahara added a dunk, putting the Sharks ahead 96-66. Pierre put the Sharks over the 100-point mark for the first time on the season after he made a three-pointer. The Sharks closed out the 101-81 victory, moving to 1-0 on the season.  

STATS OF THE NIGHT 

  • The 101 points by NSU is tied for the third most points in a SCB Hall of Fame Classic game 

  • 37 Field Goals tied the record for most in a single-game 

  • As a team, NSU recorded 25 assists, while Dallas Graziani totaled 11, both set single-game marks for the SCB Hall of Fame Classic.  

UPCOMING 

No. 4 Nova Southeastern takes on Dallas Baptist in the Sharks second game of the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic on Sunday, Nov. 6. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. 

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From Captain to Coach: Nick Smith’s Transition to the Men’s Basketball Bench

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nick Smith is one of the most decorated players in the history of men’s basketball at Nova Southeastern University. Now, Smith has made his way back to campus after finishing his playing career last spring. The former Shark is now transitioning to the bench as a graduate assistant coach alongside coaches Jim Crutchfield, Jordan Fee and Mike Chalas.

“I’m thankful and lucky for the opportunity that Coach Crutchfield gave me…It’s something I could never pass up,” said Smith.

In his four-year Shark career, Smith averaged 11.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Furthermore, Smith left his mark on the NSU program in the record department, as he is the Sharks’ all-time leader in steals (230), as well as third in in assists (482), fifth in three-point field goals made (180), sixth in points scored (1,482) and sixth in free throws made (288).

The Pittsburgh native’s final season in 2021-2022 was historic, guiding the Sharks to the Sunshine State Conference title and SSC Tournament Crown, as well as back to the Elite Eight for the second-time in program history. Smith broke multiple NSU single-season records with 247 assists and 98 steals. Now, Smith finds himself coaching his former teammates from last season. While that could be a difficult task for some, Smith believes that he is ready for the challenge due to his experience.

“Last year, I was the vocal leader, so earning their respect last season helps me coach them now,” said Smith. “The system that we run is different from any system in the nation, so being

able to have played in the system for five years, I feel like I know what Coach (Crutchfield) is thinking and what he wants.”

In fact, Smith was originally committed to West Liberty out of high school before flipping his pledge to NSU, following Crutchfield to South Florida. Smith was one of the first players that Crutchfield brought to the program, and now, the former guard will be sitting next to Crutchfield on the bench.

“He’s made an incredible transition from player to coach,” said Crutchfield. “It wasn’t as big of a transition as it would be for most people because he was already a coach on the floor.”

The Sharks open its season in the SCB Hall of Fame Classic on November 5 against Alabama-Huntsville in Lakeland, Fla. To stay up-to-date on the Nova Southeastern Sharks Men’s Basketball team, be sure to follow on Twitter and Instagram at NSU_MBasketball.

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Sharks Open Season Ranked Fourth in NABC Coaches’ Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history, one in which the Nova Southeastern Sharks Men’s Basketball team won both the Sunshine State Conference regular season and tournament championships and advanced to the Elite Eight for the second time since 2018-19, NSU enters the 2022-23 regular season ranked fourth in the National Association of Basketball Coaches’ Preseason Poll.  

Last season, Nova Southeastern finished an incredible 31-1, including a perfect 20-0, in Sunshine State Conference play and became the first SSC program to go undefeated in league play. The Sharks swept both the Sunshine State Conference Championship Tournament and the NCAA South Region Tournament to clinch a bid to the Elite Eight.  

Head Coach Jim Crutchfield and the Sharks returned several key players from last season’s squad, including All-SSC First-Team member and Defensive Player of the Year, RJ Sunahara. Sunahara averaged 19.3 points-per-game, 6.7 rebounds-per-game, and shot 60/41/76 during the 2021-22 campaign. NSU has potentially one of their deepest rosters in recent memory, as Jonathan Pierre, Mike Moore, Tommy Sala, Lukas Speidel, Kobe Rodgers, Alex Mangold, Jake Maranville, and Shane Hunter are all back. Additionally, Nova Southeastern added transfers in All-American Will Yoakum, Tomas Murphy and welcomed freshmen Ryan Davis and Maxwell Gordon.  

The NABC Preseason Coaches’ poll includes seven of the eight, and the top four, teams that advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight. 

Five teams, including the fourth ranked Nova Southeastern Sharks, will be competing at the Small College Hall of Fame Classic at Florida Southern beginning on Sat., Nov. 5. NSU begins their season against No. 24 Alabama-Huntsville and takes on Dallas Baptist on 11/6. Saturday’s tip-off is set for 1:15 p.m.  

To stay up-to-date on Sharks Men’s Basketball, be sure to follow on Instagram and Twitter at NSU_MBasketball.  

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Sharks Chosen to Repeat as SSC Champions

MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Sunshine State Conference released its preseason coaches’ poll for the 2022-23 Men’s Basketball season on Tuesday morning, tabbing the Nova Southeastern Sharks as the favorite to once again be league champions. NSU received 99 total points, including 9-of-11 first place votes.  

The Sharks were undisputed winners of the Sunshine State Conference in the 2021-22 season, going undefeated in the regular season (25-0) and SSC play (20-0), finishing the first undefeated conquest in the history of the league. Nova Southeastern defeated Barry 98-85 in the Rick Case Arena for the first SSC Tournament Championship in NSU Men’s Basketball history.  

“It’s a little surprising [to be picked as Sunshine State Conference Champions] given the losses from last year’s team, but still an honor for the program, especially from the group who’s opinion I respect most (the coaches),” stated Crutchfield. “However, it’s a poll based only on projection and not on accomplishments and I hope our players understand that. Personally, I was more comfortable when we were picked to be last my first year here.” 

Nova Southeastern advanced to the Elite Eight for the second-time in program history, winning the program’s second NCAA Regional Championship in 2021-22. The Sharks, one of three SSC schools to advance to the regional tournament, hosted Barry, Embry-Riddle, Union, Savannah State, and Alabama-Huntsville. NSU maintained its unbeaten streak through the regional, defeating Savannah State, Union and Embry-Riddle.  
 

2022-23 Sunshine State Conference Coaches’ Poll

Rank School Total Votes
1 Nova Southeastern 99 (9)
2 Barry 87 (1)
3 Embry-Riddle 73
4 Florida Southern 71
5 Rollins 68 (1)
6 Tampa 47
7 Saint Leo 45
8 Palm Beach Atlantic 40
9 Florida Tech 36
10 Lynn 21
11 Eckerd 18

The Nova Southeastern Sharks begin their 2022-23 campaign on Sat., November 11th at the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic in Lakeland, Fla. Taking on Alabama-Huntsville (11/5) and Dallas Baptist (11/6). Sunshine State Conference play begins on Sat., November 19. 

To stay up-to-date on Sharks Men’s Basketball, be sure to follow on Instagram and Twitter at NSU_MBasketball. 

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NSU’s Mike Chalas Assists Junior NBA at International Camps

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern Men’s Basketball Director of Player Development Mike Chalas took his knowledge and love of the game of basketball international, assisting the Miami HEAT with their Junior NBA program in the Bahamas.  

Chalas, an alum of the NSU program, who played as a Shark from 2014-16, Partnered with the Miami HEAT to work with the Junior NBA initiative, teaching the game of basketball to the youth (ages 6-13) in Nassau, Bahamas. On day one, Chalas was at the Sir Kendal G.L. Issacs Gymnasium and day two was at the Baha Mar Hotel.  

“It was an honor to be reached out by the HEAT organization to assist with their junior NBA initiatives,” said Chalas. “It made me grateful for the resources we have at Nova Southeastern and how much people outside the United States value the game of basketball. Seeing the children that attended the camp grow their skills daily is what motivates me to continue coaching and impacting the next generation of basketball players.” 

During the two days of camps, Chalas instructed 50 kids through a variety of drills including – stretching, dribbling, shooting, and other techniques.  

The Jr. NBA Flagship Network is comprised of 18 best-in-class youth basketball organizations that share the Jr. NBA’s vision for how the game should be taught and played at the grassroots level, and have committed to pursuing the highest standard of operation in the industry.  This includes adhering to NBA and USA Basketball Youth Basketball Guidelines, implementing coach licensing requirements, providing resources to educate coaches and parents, and a continued commitment to improving the overall youth basketball experience. 

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Crutchfield, Sharks Announce 2022-23 Schedule

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Following an incredible run during the 2021-22 season, in which Nova Southeastern won both the Sunshine State Conference regular season and tournament titles, in addition to advancing to the Elite Eight for the second time in program history, the Sharks have reloaded and are preparing for another exciting year.  

Last season, NSU carried an undefeated record through the NCAA Regional Tournament and advanced to the Elite Eight with a 31-0 record, becoming the first Sunshine State Conference team to go undefeated in league play.  

“This is the most challenging schedule that we have faced here at NSU,” said Head Coach Jim Crutchfield. “We open with two perennial nationally ranked teams in Alabama-Huntsville and Dallas Baptist in Orlando. I also think Pitt-Johnstown and Francis Marion are two very strong teams that will be vying for NCAA postseason bids. When you add in the gauntlet of the Sunshine State Conference, which is rated as one of the top conferences in the country, you have a heck of a schedule.” 

The Sharks tip-off the 2022-23 campaign on 11/5 against Alabama-Huntsville and follow with the second half of a back-to-back on 11/6 versus Dallas Baptist. NSU begins their home schedule with a matchup against Fort Lauderdale for homecoming weekend on November 11th from the Shark Tank. Nova Southeastern then hosts Pitt-Johnstown (11/22) and Francis Marion (11/26), before beginning Sunshine State Conference play.  

NSU opens league action on Nov. 30 in Boca Raton, taking on the Fighting Knights of Lynn before welcoming Eckerd to the Shark Tank on 12/3. Nova Southeastern then travels to Palm Beach Atlantic on 12/10. The Sharks then return home for their longest home-stand of the 2022-23 campaign, hosting Florida Memorial (12/13), Bluefield State (12/19), Florida Tech (12/29), and Florida Southern (1/1) at the Rick Case Arena.   

Nova Southeastern plays a pair of road games, after the calendar flips to 2023, traveling to Rollins on Jan. 4 and then to Barry on Jan. 7. The Sharks then take on Tampa (1/11) and Saint Leo (1/14) from the Shark Tank before traveling to Daytona for a rematch against last season’s Sweet 16 opponent, Embry-Riddle on Jan. 18.  

Over the final five weeks of the regular season, Nova Southeastern takes on Lynn (1/21), Rollins (1/25), Florida Southern (1/28), Palm Beach Atlantic (2/1), Florida Tech (2/8), Saint Leo (2/11), Barry (2/15), Tampa (2/18), Eckerd (2/22) and will host Embry-Riddle for senior day on Feb. 25.  

To stay up-to-date on the Nova Southeastern Sharks Men’s Basketball team, be sure to follow on Twitter and Instagram at NSU_MBasketball.  

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