Bracket (PDF)
Live Video/Audio
Live Stats
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The eighth-seeded Eckerd College women's basketball program will begin the postseason and the Sunshine State Conference Championship tomorrow evening at 7:30 p.m., taking on third-seeded Nova Southeastern University in Silver Spurs Arena.
While preparing to face the Sharks (22-4, 12-4 SSC) for the third time this season, the Tritons (11-15, 4-12 SSC) are resting and staying sharp mentally. The team will practice this afternoon and study film before heading to Kissimmee at 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.
The winner between Eckerd and Nova Southeastern will advance to the quarterfinal round in the bracket on Saturday to meet either No. 2 seed Rollins College or No. 9 Florida Southern College for another 7:30 p.m. night tip-off.
Eckerd has faced Nova Southeastern this season when the Sharks were ranked fourth in the USA Today/Div. II Top-25 Coaches Poll. In both instances, NSU prevailed, but the Tritons are upset minded starting fresh with a blank slate on a floor that features no home court advantage for either side.
"Nova Southeastern is one of the top teams in the nation and the conference," said EC head coach
Paul Honsinger. "We are riding the confidence of a game-winning shot and we have been able to win three of the last six conference games we've played."
"They have a lot of talent and there are some weaknesses we have to exploit," he added. "I think our team is ready for the challenge. We're well rested, eager and we're going to have to play well to win and move on."
The Tritons downed Florida Southern, Florida Tech and Lynn University to help amount to four wins in the league as the regular season came to a close.
Junior
Rana Thomas stunned the Fighting Knights in Boca Raton by hitting a three from the corner as the final horn sounded, giving the Tritons momentum going into Thursday's matchup.
SunshineStateConference.com is presenting live stats and video/audio coverage streaming for 16 games.
The Tritons tied with Lynn in the final SSC regular-season standings, but tiebreaking criteria gave the Fighting Knights the edge for the seventh seed in the conference tournament.
Those wishing to attend the games at Silver Spurs Arena can purchase tickets at the box office window. General admission tickets are available for $10 each day. One ticket will give one-person admittance to an entire day, but there is a no re-entry policy in place. If spectators leave the arena, they must purchase another ticket.
The annual All-SSC Team will also be announced on Friday afternoon as voted upon by the league's coaches.
ADMISSION AND PRICING
~ Doors open 1 hour prior to first game each day ~
General Admission: $10
SSC Student w/ valid ID: FREE
Children under 6: FREE
Programs: $3
*Court Level seating is limited
**One ticket gives admittance to an entire day, but has a NO RE-ENTRY policy. If spectators leave arena, they must purchase another ticket.
