LAKELAND, Fla. - Florida Southern recorded a huge 66-41 victory over Sunshine State Conference #14/19 Tampa to extend their incredible winning streak to six games. They are now 14-8 overall and 12-4 in conference play.
Mackenzie Steele led the Mocs with an electric 21-point night as she went 5-for-10 from beyond the arc.
Whitney Jacob put up 17 points of her own, including three rebounds, and two assists. Followed by
Julia Jenike posting 11 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. It truly was a team effort for Florida Southern as they rolled past the top-ranked team in the conference.
"The girls were so focused, and we've been focused, and we have to keep that focus," said FSC head coach
Betsy Harris. "Every game we are trying to make regionals. That is our goal and we're hungry for it. We want people to notice it and see it. Hopefully, we can finish it out."
HOW IT HAPPENED
Southern jumped out to an early lead with a 9-4 run. They carried the momentum through and outscored Tampa 17-11 in the first quarter.
In the second, a strong defensive effort held the Spartans scoreless for nearly the entire first half of the quarter as Southern knocked down several shots to extend their lead to 13 points. However, Tampa rallied with an 11-2 run in the final few minutes of the quarter to bring it within six. Jacob broke their momentum by scoring off her own offensive rebound. Then, in the final seconds of the half, Jacob worked the post for a buzzer-beater, to close out the half with a 30-22 lead.
The Spartans came out with a vengeance in the second half as they opened the quarter on a 7-2 run. However, J. Jenike knocked down a three, which seemed to shift momentum in favor of the Mocs. They used this momentum to close the quarter on an unbelievable 15-0 run. Southern entered the final quarter with a huge 50-31 lead.
Tampa began the quarter hot once again with a 9-5 run. Just when it looked as if the Spartans were gaining some traction, Steele sank a corner three with 4:26 remaining to put the
Spartans to sleep. They were held nearly scoreless for the remainder of the game as the Mocs posted another eight points, including two shots from beyond the arch for Jacob. The final score was 66-41.
UP NEXT
The Mocs travel to Fort Lauderdale this Saturday, February 12 to take on Nova Southeastern. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
