If you walk into the Rick Case Arena in Fort Lauderdale on a Wednesday night, you aren't just watching a basketball game. You're watching a relentless, high-speed blur. Most people who follow Division II hoops know the big names, but what's happening with Nova Southeastern mens basketball right now is bordering on the absurd.
They don't just win. They overwhelm.
Honestly, the numbers coming out of this program under Jim Crutchfield feel like they were pulled from a video game. As of January 2026, the Sharks have pushed their home winning streak to a mind-boggling 93 games. Think about that for a second. The last time this team lost a game on their own floor, the world looked a lot different.
The System That Breaks Teams
Most coaches talk about "tempo." Crutchfield lives it. Since he arrived from West Liberty, he’s implemented a style that basically forces opponents to sprint for 40 minutes straight while being trapped in the corners. It’s exhausting just to watch.
The Sharks aren't interested in a half-court chess match. They want a track meet.
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In their recent 130-70 demolition of the University of Fort Lauderdale in December 2025, they hit the century mark with five minutes still left on the clock. That’s not an anomaly. It's the blueprint. They lead the nation in scoring offense and forced turnovers almost every single year because they play a "next man up" style that never lets the pressure off.
What Really Happened in the 2025 Championship
There was a lot of talk last year about whether the Sharks could "get revenge." If you remember the 2024 final, they lost on a literal buzzer-beating three-pointer. It was a gut punch.
But the 2024-25 season was a masterclass in focus. They went 36-1. They didn't just return to the championship; they ground out a 74-73 win against Cal State Dominguez Hills to grab their second national title in three years. MJ Iraldi was the hero there, dropping 27 points.
He's gone now—the professional ranks came calling after he swept the National Player of the Year awards—but the machine hasn't slowed down.
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Why the 2025-26 Season Feels Different
People expected a massive drop-off this year. Losing Iraldi and Ryker Cisarik meant losing a huge chunk of their height and scoring. Coach Crutchfield even admitted before the season that they’d be smaller.
But here’s the thing: they’re actually faster.
- Dallas Graziani is the engine. The guy is a walking assist record. He stayed to lead this young group, and his ability to pick pockets on defense is why the Sharks are sitting at 11-1 as of mid-January 2026.
- The New Blood. Crutchfield brought in three transfers and four freshmen to fill the gaps. Bobby Rosenberger III has stepped up big time, leading the scoring in several key conference games.
- The Target. When you’re the defending champ and you’ve won 90+ straight at home, everyone plays their "Super Bowl" against you.
The only blemish on the current record? A tough 5-point road loss at Palm Beach Atlantic in December. It proved they're human, but only just barely.
The Sunshine State Conference Gauntlet
The SSC is no joke. While Nova Southeastern mens basketball is the crown jewel, teams like Florida Southern and Florida Tech are constantly trying to find the "Crutchfield Killer" strategy. Usually, that involves trying to slow the game down to a crawl, but the Sharks' depth makes that almost impossible.
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By the time you get to the second half, most opponents are literally gasping for air.
What Most People Get Wrong About NSU
There’s this misconception that they just "recruit better athletes." That’s part of it, sure. But the real secret is the conditioning and the buy-in. It’s a "sick feeling," as assistant coach Nick Smith put it, to lose that way in 2024. That trauma turned into a culture where nobody takes a play off.
The program has gone 139-5 over the last five seasons. That isn't just talent. That’s a psychological edge.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're following the Sharks through the rest of the 2026 season, watch the turnover margin. It’s the most important stat in their box score. If they are forcing 20+ turnovers, they are essentially unbeatable.
- Keep an eye on the home streak. The next big milestone is 100 straight home wins. Every game at Rick Case Arena now carries historical weight.
- Watch the bench points. The Sharks regularly play 10 or 11 guys. If the bench scoring drops, it’s a sign the "System" is struggling.
- Check the SSC standings. They currently lead, but the road games in February—specifically the trip to Embry-Riddle—will determine if they lock up the top seed for the tournament again.
The goal isn't just another trophy; it's the continuation of a dynasty that has completely redefined how Division II basketball is played.
Next Steps for Followers:
Check the remaining 2026 schedule for the upcoming February road stretch. These away games are where the Sharks are most vulnerable, and they'll need to maintain their shooting percentages—currently hovering around 48% as a team—to secure another deep run in the NCAA South Region Tournament. If you're local, get to the Rick Case Arena before the "100-win" hype makes tickets impossible to find.