Top-Seeded Nova Southeastern Ends Morehouse’s Season in NCAA South Regional

DAVIE, Fla. — The Morehouse Maroon Tigers saw their postseason run come to an end Saturday night as top-seeded Nova Southeastern pulled away for a 94–60 victory in the opening round of the NCAA Division II South Regional at Rick Case Arena.

Morehouse, the SIAC Tournament champion, finished the season with a 22–10 record after making its first NCAA regional appearance since 2018.

The Maroon Tigers showed early energy and briefly held the lead during the first half. Jared White opened the scoring for Morehouse with a three-pointer, while Sincere Moore and Brandon Peters added baskets to give the Maroon Tigers an early 8–7 advantage. Josiah Lawson later knocked down a transition three-pointer, and Logan McCormick added a free throw to push Morehouse ahead 12–11 midway through the opening half.

Nova Southeastern quickly responded with a decisive run that shifted the momentum. The Sharks used offensive rebounds and turnovers to spark a 12–0 surge, turning a one-point deficit into a 23–12 lead. Morehouse stayed within striking distance thanks to baskets from Lawson, Moore, and McCormick, trimming the deficit to 30–23 with five minutes left in the half.

However, Nova Southeastern closed the half strong, using interior scoring and second-chance opportunities to extend the lead to 44–29 at the break.

The Sharks continued their momentum early in the second half. An 8–0 run highlighted by two three-pointers from Eli Allen quickly stretched the advantage to 52–29. Although Lawson and Moore added baskets for the Maroon Tigers, Nova Southeastern maintained control with consistent scoring in the paint and strong play in transition.

Dallas Graziani knocked down a three-pointer to push the lead to 65–38, and the Sharks continued to build the margin throughout the second half. Morehouse received contributions from McCormick, Peters, White, and JerMontae Hill, while Tre Lockett added two late three-pointers, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.

Nova Southeastern dominated the glass with a 51–32 rebounding advantage and forced 20 Morehouse turnovers, converting those opportunities into a 24–3 edge in points off turnovers.

McCormick led Morehouse with 15 points and five rebounds while shooting 6-of-7 from the field. Moore added 14 points and five rebounds, while Lawson finished with nine points. White contributed eight points and four rebounds, and Lockett scored six points on a pair of three-pointers.

Despite the loss, the Maroon Tigers close the season with a strong campaign that included the SIAC East Division title and the SIAC Tournament championship, finishing 22–10 overall and 19–5 in conference play.