CLEVELAND, Tenn. — On Friday, Florida Southern College (0-1, 0-0 SSC) fell to Lee University (1-0, 0-0 SSC) 75-61, in the annual SSC/GSC Regional Crossover hosted by the Lady Flames.
Florida Southern opened the first quarter with a strong defensive stance, forcing six turnovers and converting them into nine points.
Sydney Gomes contributed with four points from the free-throw line, while
Catalina Ion added a key 3-pointer to narrow the gap. Despite these efforts, the Moccasins faced challenges on the boards, securing only three total rebounds compared to the Lady Flames' 14. Lee built momentum with efficient scoring in the paint, supported by bench contributions totaling nine points. The quarter concluded with Ion scoring a layup with 12 seconds left, but Lee responded with a buzzer-beater to maintain their lead. Florida Southern trailed 19-9 at the end of the first quarter.
The Mocs began the second quarter with a strong performance from the free-throw line, converting six of seven attempts, which helped them stay competitive.
Nia Blocton contributed with a layup and a made free throw following a foul by Lee, narrowing the gap early on.
Lily Pereira added a crucial three-pointer at 7:25, assisted by Gomes, to keep the team within reach. Despite Florida Southern's efforts, the Lady Flames maintained their lead with effective shooting, including two three-pointers and a layup by Baylee Delbridge. However, Florida Southern capitalized on Lee's turnovers and foul trouble, as Gomes sank two free throws late in the quarter. The period concluded with the Mocs slightly cutting into Lee's lead, ending 33–24 in favor of the Lady Flames.
Florida Southern initiated the third quarter with precise ball movement, highlighted by Blocton's layup assisted by
Lily Randgaard at 9:13, cutting Lee's lead. Gomes contributed with two successful free throws at 7:49, further narrowing the gap. Despite these efforts, the Lady Flames maintained their advantage through efficient shooting and capitalizing on turnovers. As the quarter progressed, the Mocs struggled to contain Lee's offensive momentum. A key sequence included a layup by Anna Muhonen at 5:36, extending Lee's lead. Gomes managed a layup at 1:42, but it was not enough to shift the trajectory. The quarter concluded with Florida Southern trailing 57–37, as Lee closed on a scoring run.
The Mocs initiated a strong fourth quarter with
Nacoya Blocton and Gomes contributing early points, cutting the deficit. Defensive stops were pivotal, with
Caylen Spano and Blocton each securing key rebounds that helped maintain momentum. Despite Lee's scoring efforts, including a three-pointer by Delbridge, the Mocs kept pace through steady free throw shooting and another three-pointer from
Carlota Gomez Alonso, tightening the score. The period concluded as
Emily Ridderstrom added points from the free-throw line, closing the gap slightly. The final score for the period was 75-61.
Gomes led the team with 12 points, converting 8 of 8 free throws and contributing five assists. Blocton scored nine points, adding four rebounds and securing two steals. Randgaard finished with nine points and four rebounds while also providing three assists. Gomez Alonso contributed eight points, making 2 of 3 shots from beyond the arc.
In their next game, the Mocs will face The University of Alabama in Huntsville on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. in Cleveland, Tennessee.
