LAKELAND - Megan Dzikas hit a jumper with 2.4 seconds remaining to give the Moccasins a 69-67 Sunshine State Conference win over previously unbeaten Florida Tech here Saturday night at Jenkins Field House. The loss was the Panthers' first in 12 games and allowed the Moccasins to improve their record to 9-2, 1-1 in the SSC.
In the first half, the Moccasins led by as many as 19 and were up by 12 at halftime, 33-21. However, it took the Panthers less than six minutes to erase the halftime deficit, as they started the second period with a 14-2 run that tied the game at 35-35 at the 14:46 mark. After the Panthers expanded their lead to 42-37, the Moccasins pulled back even at 44-44 on a basket by Dzikas with 10:32 left. Once again the Panthers spurted ahead, this time building a 56-49 advantage with 6:13 to go.
The Moccasins, who had only nine players available for the game, lost Nicolle DiRaimo on fouls at the 5:10 mark. Tanja Speaker sank a jumper with 4:11 left to re-again the lead for the Moccasins at 58-57. After two more lead changes and three more ties, Speaker hit a pair of free throws with 37 seconds left to put FSC ahead 67-65. The Panthers answered with a basket from Lynisha Nelson to tie it at 67-67 with 29 seconds left before Dzikas connected on her game-winning shot.
Dzikas finished with 18 points. Michaela Hawley posted her third double-double of the season with a game-high 20 points and 14 rebounds before fouling out with 1:24 remaining. Johnson added 17 points.
Nelson and Briauna Hagins each scored 15 points to lead Florida Tech.
The Moccasins play at Saint Leo Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m.
