LAKELAND, Fla. - Florida Southern College women's basketball team defeated Embry-Riddle 55-53 off a miraculous last-second shot from
Sara Wohlgemuth.
In the final seconds,
Arielle Dabu stole the ball and converted the turn over to a lay-up to tie it up at 53-53. The Mocs got the ball back in the final seconds and Wohlgemuth capitalized on the opportunity, driving into the paint and hitting the game-winning shot.
With this win, the Mocs close out their regular season with a 10-0 record in the final games of the season. They are 18-4 overall and 16-4 in conference play. This record guarantees them at least a No.2 seed in the Sunshine State Conference tournament and opportunity to play their first-round matchup with home-court advantage.
Wohlgemuth led the team from start to finish. She posted a game-high 16 points and added six assists and three rebounds.
Julia Jenike added 10 points and seven rebounds.
HOW IT HAPPENED
FSC trailed slightly at the end of the first quarter as the Eagles put up 14 points to the Mocs' 10. Embry-Riddle had a solid 8-2 in the middle of the quarter but the Mocs were able to close the gap and maintain contact going into the quarter.
The Mocs exploded into the second quarter with an 8-2 run behind threes from
Whitney Jacob and Jenike. Southern continued to pour on the offensive effort, putting up 18 points throughout the quarter while holding Embry-Riddle to just 10 by forcing seven turnovers. They entered the locker room with a 28-24 lead.
The Mocs were able to carry their offensive momentum into the second half as they opened the quarter on a 6-2 run. FSC maintained a slight, 43-40 lead going into the final quarter.
Both teams put up a strong offensive effort in the fourth quarter trying to grab a win in the final game of the regular season. With under a minute left, Embry-Riddle led Southern 53-51. In the final seconds, Dabu stole the ball away from an opposing Embry-Riddle player and converted the turnover into a game-tying fast-break layup. Dabu then came up big again defensively as she forced a jump ball that resulted in an Embry-Riddle turnover. The turnover was exactly the chance the Mocs needed and they capitalized on it. On their final offensive possession,
Mackenzie Steele grabbed a clutch offensive board and moved the ball into the hands of Wohlgemuth on the perimeter. Wohlgemuth drove into the paint and finished at the rim over several Embry-Riddle defenders. She left just 3.7 seconds on the clock which was not enough for the Eagles to get a good shot off, leading to a Florida Southern victory.
UP NEXT
The Mocs have a bye week this weekend and will prepare to host the first round of the SSC Championship on Tuesday, March 1 in Jenkins Fieldhouse.
