FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - In a nail-biting finish, the Eckerd women's basketball team fell to No. 20 Nova Southeastern with a narrow 60-59 loss at the Rick Case Arena on Saturday.
Eckerd came out strong in the first half, keeping pace with Nova Southeastern in a tightly contested battle. Lisa Michaelsen set the tone early, scoring efficiently and controlling the paint, while Chance Bucher dominated the boards with nine rebounds. The Tritons' defense held firm, limiting Nova Southeastern's perimeter shooting to just 25 percent from three in the opening half. Despite trailing 30-27 at halftime, Eckerd's ability to generate points in the paint and move the ball effectively (seven first-half assists) kept them well within striking distance.
The second half saw Eckerd continue to fight, taking multiple leads in the fourth quarter behind Michaelsen's dominant offensive performance. The Tritons shot an impressive 75 percent in the fourth quarter. However, a late three-pointer from Nova Southeastern's Moors, followed by key free throws, proved to be the difference in the 60-59 final. Eckerd had an opportunity in the final moments for the game-winner but were unable to get a shot off.
HOW IT ENDED
FINAL: No. 20 Nova Southeastern 60, Eckerd 59
RECORDS: Eckerd 16-5 (11-4 SSC); Nova Southeastern 18-4 (11-3 SSC)
NOTES AND NUMBERS
- Michaelsen led all scorers with a season-high 28 points, shooting 11-for-18 from the field.
- Bucher and Ieva Korzane added nine and seven points, respectively.
- Bucher flirted with a double-double grabbing nine rebounds.
- 12 of Eckerd's 22 made field goals were assisted. Korzane led the team with seven assists.
- Michaelsen recorded a season-high four blocks, increasing her team-leading season total to 28.
- The Tritons outscored Nova Southeastern 38-34 in the paint.
UP NEXT
Eckerd remains on the road against conference rival Tampa on Wednesday at 5:30 PM.
