LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern (10-3, 2-1 Sunshine State) secured a commanding 116-70 victory over Lees-McRae (5-7, 2-3 Conference Carolinas) on Saturday night at Jenkins Field House. Florida Southern's defense was formidable, recording 10 blocks and forcing 17 turnovers throughout the game.
"It was great to see us bounce back tonight for a much needed win," said Moccasin head coach
Mike Donnelly. "We shared the ball and played with a lot more confidence which helped us build a big lead. Good win heading into Christmas Break."
The Moccasins opened play by establishing an early rhythm, trading baskets with Lees-McRae before pulling ahead.
Ameer Ramadan's and
Elijah Walsh's consecutive 3-pointers helped Florida Southern College gain momentum, and their defense generated key turnovers for fast-break opportunities.
Brady Corso played a pivotal role in widening the lead with multiple 3-pointers, while
Charlie Dalton contributed inside the paint and at the free-throw line.
As the half progressed, the Moccasins' defensive efforts, including six steals and five blocks, stifled the Bobcats' attempts to cut into the lead. Florida Southern capitalized on turnovers, turning them into 16 points and finishing the first half strong with a fast-paced offense, closing with a 61–33 advantage.
FSC began the second half with an assertive scoring drive, highlighted by
Amare Miller's layup just 10 seconds into the half, extending the lead. Corso's steal and basket set the tone early, as the team capitalized on turnovers to maintain momentum. Throughout the half, the Moccasins exhibited strong shooting from beyond the arc, with Corso,
Riley Buccino, and
Spencer Schomers each contributing key 3-pointers.
Defensively, Florida Southern limited Lees-McRae's opportunities in the paint, with multiple blocks from Miller and
Khalil Ross, further stifling the opponent's efforts. Offensively, the team demonstrated efficiency, converting on fast breaks and capitalizing on free throw opportunities, with Dalton and Ross each contributing from the line. The half closed with the Mocs firmly in control, ending the game 116-70.
Walsh scored 18 points and recorded three assists, converting 4-of-5 three-point attempts. Corso tallied 17 points, hitting five 3-pointers while also collecting three steals. Miller contributed with 12 points and secured nine rebounds, adding three blocks to his performance.
Jasir Tremble posted nine assists, complementing his seven points for the game.
The Mocs tallied the largest margin of victory since December 28, 2007, when Florida Southern beat PBA 115-65.
Looking ahead, FSC will host Palm Beach Atlantic on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at George W. Jenkins Field House in Lakeland, Florida. The game is set for a 4:30 p.m. tip-off.
