LAKELAND, Fla. - Florida Southern College women's basketball battled with #5/9 Drury University Saturday afternoon playing a tight first quarter before an explosive second period by the Panthers ultimately led to a 97-74 victory for the visitors in the final game of the Mocs Christmas Classic.
The Mocs go into the short holiday break with a 7-4 overall record while the Panthers improve to 11-1 on the year.
The game started with a 2-0 lead but the first quarter was a lot of back and forth as FSC and Drury had four tie scores and three lead changes with the Mocs leading for five of the 10 minutes. FSC tied the game at 4-4 after an
Ashley Shell layup and went on a 9-8 run to keep a 13-12 lead over the Panthers at the 3:13 mark.
With 3:02 left to play in the period, the Panthers' guard hit a jumper that gave Drury a one-point lead but FSC answered back going a 5-0 run with a layup by freshman
Reagan White, a made free throw from sophomore
Marissa Jenike, and two made by freshman
Sydney Gomes.
Florida Southern continued their momentum into the second after a 20-18 lead. Drury hit a 3-pointer out of the gate of the second quarter giving the Panthers a 21-20 advantage. Shell sank a shot from the line, followed by a layup from
Arriyana Bracero to take the Mocs final lead at 23-21.
The Mocs continued to try and find a weakness in the Panther's defense, but Drury went on a 26-4 run going into the locker room with a big advantage to start the third quarter with a 20-point lead 47-27.
FSC continued to put pressure on Drury, but the damage was already done as the Mocs fell to the ranked Panthers.
Shell led the way with 21 points and eight rebounds, followed by
Anna Denes with 15 points and five boards.
UP NEXT
The Mocs will take a short break to enjoy the holidays with their families and will return to action in Jenkins Field House on Dec. 29. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
