DAVIE, Fla. – Despite out-rebounding the Sharks, the Florida Tech women's basketball team lost to Nova Southeastern, 74-50, on Wednesday night on the road.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Florida Tech 50, No. 4 Nova Southeastern 74
Records: Florida Tech (4-12, 1-8 SSC), Nova Southeastern (16-0, 8-0 SSC)
Location: Rick Case Arena | Davie, Fla.
FIRST QUARTER:
- Florida Tech forced multiple early turnovers from Nova Southeastern, creating extra possessions for the Panthers.
- Elif Bayrak got Tech on the board at the free-throw line two minutes into the quarter.
- Remingtyn Smith jump-started the Panthers' pressure defense with a steal at 7:28
- Amanda Ogbonna moved around a Sharks' defender, scoring on a hook shot in the paint to give Tech momentum midway through the quarter.
- Bayrak added another point at the line and came up with a key block late in the period, showing her impact on both ends of the floor.
- Deirdre Miller closed the quarter with a steal in the final minute as Florida Tech's defense
SECOND QUARTER:
- Nova Southeastern continued to apply pressure early, turning turnovers into quick points and stretching its lead through transition baskets and perimeter shooting.
- Amanda Ogbonna battled on the glass and converted a bucket at the 8:33 mark, cutting the deficit to 26-6.
- Smith knocked down a key three at the 7:11 mark, giving Florida Tech some offensive life.
- Morin earned a trip to the line and made both in the second half of the quarter.
- Smith drained a second three-pointer with a Sharks' defender in her face, but Nova Southeastern still held a 47-14 lead at half.
THIRD QUARTER:
- Tech opened the half with strong defensive energy, forcing early misses and turnovers before Smith's driving finish at 8:48 finally put points on the board.
- A steal by Roberts turned into a smooth turnaround jumper at 6:45, keeping Tech's offense flowing.
- Work on the glass created extra opportunities, as Miller's multiple offensive rebounds helped extend several Florida Tech possessions. First leading to. Bayrak's deep shot and later two free throws from Miller herself for a 60-26 score at 1:09.
- The period was capped by a Roberts' turnaround basket in the final seconds.
FOURTH QUARTER:
- An early Bayrak driving layup at 9:12 got Tech going, as the Panthers showed aggression attacking the paint to open the period.
- A strong finish inside from Ogbonna at 8:22 helped establish a frontcourt presence and keep the Panthers on the attack.
- A three-pointer cashed in by Bayrak at 4:58 provided a much-needed perimeter spark and kept the offense moving.
- A Roberts' steal turned into a fast-break bucket and free throw at 3:48 as Smith was hot in the fourth, trimming the deficit with hustle plays.
- Late in the period, Roberts found an open Miller in transition for a layup at 1:20 as they continued to play downhill.
- A strong drive in the final minute wrapped up the scoring as Tech stayed aggressive through the closing horn, ending the game down 74-50.
NOTABLE PANTHERS:
UP NEXT: The Panthers return home to host Barry on Wednesday, January 21 at 5:30 p.m. ET.
For the latest news, updates and information on the Florida Tech women's basketball team, visit FloridaTechSports.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Panthers news by following Florida Tech Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
