LAKELAND - With John Thompson posting his 11th double-double of the season, the Moccasins won their regular season finale, 74-67, over Nova Southeastern Saturday night at Jenkins Field House.
The Moccasins (24-6) now turn their attention to the Sunshine State Conference Tournament, where they will try to repeat as tournament champions after claiming a second straight regular season title. FSC is the top seed in the tournament and will meet Florida Tech Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Jenkins Field House in the tournament's first round. A win would send the Moccasins to the tournament semifinals Saturday at Nova Southeastern.
Against the Sharks Saturday, the Moccasins broke a 15-15 tie on a free throw by Zach Smith with 9:07 left in the first half and went on to build a 36-26 advantage at halftime. The Sharks made a charge early in the second half that got the game tied again at 41-41, but a pair of Terry Jenkins free throws put the Moccasins back in front with 13:28 remaining and they led the rest of the game.
Thompson had 12 points, including a perfect eight-for-eight from the free throw line, and pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds to notch his second straight double-double and fourth in the last five games. Rob Eldridge came off the bench for the first time this season and led the Mocs' scoring with 14 points, while Brandon Jenkins added 13.
The Mocs split their two games with Florida Tech this season, winning 99-86 at Jenkins Field House, but losing 88-83 at Melbourne.
