Box Score
Emma Cannon recorded her ninth double-double of the season and four other Moccasins scored in double figures en route to an 86-56 Sunshine State Conference win over Nova Southeastern Wednesday night at Jenkins Field House. FSC's win, coupled with Florida Tech's overtime win against Tampa, put the Moccasins back in sole possession of first place in the SSC at 7-1.
The Moccasins (14-3) ended any doubts about this one early, as they scored the first 11 points of the game in less than five minutes and their lead was never less than six the rest of the game. They had a 37-19 advantage at halftime and the lead was never smaller than 14 points the entire second half.
Cannon almost had her double-double by halftime with a 14-point, nine rebound effort. She finished with 18 points and 15 rebounds and had plenty of offensive help. For the ninth time this season, Taylor Maldonado put up double figures off the bench, finishing with 14. Michaela Hawley scored 12 and Chelsea Johnson and Megan Dzikas each contributed 10.
The Moccasins were able to keep the Sharks' top offensive threat in check. Stephanie Sarosi, who led Nova (10-7) in scoring (16.9) and rebounding (8.8) and who was second in the SSC with those numbers, was held to 15 points and seven rebounds.
With a non-conference game coming up Saturday, the Moccasins will get to enjoy their stay at the top of the SSC standings at least until next Wednesday. Palm Beach Atlantic will be Saturday's opponent at Jenkins Field House with an earlier start time - 5 p.m. instead of the usual 5:30 p.m. The Moccasins won this season's first meeting, 81-65, back on Dec. 9 at PBA.
In the first NCAA regional rankings released Wednesday, the Moccasins were third in the South Region behind Delta State and West Alabama. Tampa and Rollins were fourth and fifth behind the Moccasins.
