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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Merritt Earns First Ever SSC Defensive Player of the Week Award
Shark senior had terrific opening weekend in two NSU victories
Nova Southeastern University guard Monaye Merritt earned the first-ever Sunshine State Conference women’s basketball Defensive Player of the Week, as released by the league office.
Merritt (R-Sr., Philadelphia) was a key defender in each of NSU’s wins over their opening weekend. Against North Alabama, the Shark senior had seven rebounds and two steals, while leading a defense that held the Lions to 34 percent shooting and forced 18 turnovers in a 41-point rout, 102-61. In a much tighter game on Saturday, Nov. 14, when it mattered most, Merritt was the point person against Lee, hounding the Flames to just 4-of-16 shooting in the 4th quarter, matching her career high with three blocked shots and adding two more steals. NSU forced Lee into 18 turnovers in that game as well in what turned out to be an 81-68 win.
In addition to her defensive prowess, Merritt scored in double digits in each of the Sharks’ two victories. She scored 15 points on Friday, Nov. 13, and was a major key in holding off Lee on Saturday night, Nov. 14. The Sharks broke open a tie game late against the Flames with a 14-0 run, a stretch that started out with five straight points from the Shark point guard, who would end the proceedings with a career-best of 22, including a 15-of-17 line from the charity stripe. Not only did the Merritt pour in points in the fourth (10 in total), but after those first five, she assisted on the following two baskets and one of her three blocked shots came on the very next Flame possession.
Merritt and the Sharks open conference play up on Wednesday, Nov. 11, when they host Lynn at the NSU Arena. Tip time is 5:30 p.m. as the first game of a women’s/men’s doubleheader.