LAKELAND, Fla. — RV Florida Southern College men's basketball (21-9, 13-7 Sunshine State) fell to No. 1 Nova Southeastern University (24-1, 19-1 Sunshine State) with a final score of 92-73 on Saturday at Jenkins Field House.
Prior to the game, the Moccasins recognized six senior cheerleaders: Ana Gilbert, Amber Haldas, Madeleine Meadows, Amanda Parrish, Melissa Ramirez, and Engracia Scheller. Representing the men's basketball team as seniors, the Mocs honored
Elijah Walsh, Jasir Tremble, Spencer Schomers, Amare Miller, Hugo Mattioli, Erickson Bans, Donovan Smith, and
Riley Buccino.
"I know we can play a lot better," stated Mocs' head coach
Mike Donnelly. "Emotions always run high on senior night, but we need to regroup quickly and focus on starting a new season Tuesday night."
Florida Southern initiated the game with a quick three-pointer by Smith, setting an early pace. Miller contributed with a series of defensive rebounds and a layup to maintain momentum. Despite some missed opportunities, the Mocs managed to create scoring chances through fast breaks and second-chance points.
The half saw both teams exchanging leads, with seven ties, as FSC capitalized on turnovers and bench contributions. Walsh hit key three-pointers, assisted by Bans, keeping the score competitive. However, NSU edged ahead with a late three-pointer and free throw, concluding the half with a 49–45 lead over Florida Southern.
NSU opened the second half with a rapid pace, scoring consecutive points and extending its lead. FSC responded with a three-pointer from Walsh and a basket from Miller to keep the deficit manageable. However, Nova's consistency in scoring, particularly in the paint, allowed it to maintain the upper hand throughout the half.
The Mocs'
Charlie Dalton contributed with a jumper and a three-pointer, while Buccino added points from the free-throw line. Despite these efforts, the Sharks' offensive pressure and rebounding advantage kept the Mocs from closing the gap significantly. The half ended with NSU leading 92-73.
Miller recorded his fifth straight double-double (13th of the season) with 14 points and 20 rebounds. Walsh scored nine points, all from beyond the arc, converting 3-of-5 three-point attempts. Tremble added eight points and contributed defensively with two steals. Dalton tallied 12 points and dished out three assists, complementing his five rebounds.
Florida Southern secured the No. 3 seed in the Sunshine State Conference standings, earning a home postseason game, where the Mocs will host the No. 6 seed Embry-Riddle Eagles on Tuesday, March 3, with a 7:30 p.m. start.
