SAINT LEO, Fla. — Florida Southern College women's basketball (5-1, 1-0 SSC) defeated Saint Leo University (1-4, 0-2 SSC), 96-63, with a strong second-half performance that included 54 points. The Moccasins capitalized on turnovers, scoring 31 points off Saint Leo's 27 turnovers.
FSC opened its first conference game of the year in dominant fashion, delivering its largest SSC margin of victory since 2020 (1/18/2020 vs. PBA 79-37 +42) and exploding for its highest point total in a league matchup since 2019 (1/12/2019 vs Barry +101 pts). The Mocs' offense was electric from start to finish, powered by Carlota Gomez Alonso's career night as she recorded her second straight double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge.
The game commenced with both teams exchanging early leads, marked by three ties and four lead changes in the opening quarter. Florida Southern College capitalized on turnovers to score five points and maintained competitive pressure with a strong presence in the paint, contributing six points. Sydney Gomes led the visitors with a crucial three-pointer and subsequently scored a layup, pushing the Mocs ahead 9-6 at one point.
However, Saint Leo responded with efficient shooting beyond the arc, making three out of six 3-point attempts, which helped them stay within reach. Despite Florida Southern's strong offensive rebounding, securing eight offensive boards, Saint Leo closed the quarter with a pair of three-pointers in the final minute, shifting the momentum and ending the quarter with a 20-16 lead over the Moccasins.
Florida Southern opened the second quarter by narrowing the gap with a 3-pointer from Gomez Alonso, setting the tone for a strong offensive display. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Gomez Alonso securing two steals, and took advantage of second-chance opportunities to tie the game at 25.
The momentum continued with Lily Pereira and Nia Blocton contributing crucial points in the paint, while free throws from Gomez Alonso and Gomes extended their lead. The Mocs maintained pressure with six assists and four steals, closing the quarter on a decisive 26–17 run to lead 42–37 at halftime.
FSC capitalized on a strong start to the third quarter with an early three-pointer by Pereira, assisted by Monica Balistrere, extending the lead. Pereira continued her impact with another 3-pointer, contributing to the team's dominance beyond the arc. The visitors maintained momentum with a defensive stop and a quick transition layup by Gomes, pushing the advantage to 52–41.
As the quarter progressed, Florida Southern's offensive efficiency was highlighted by Balistrere's scoring versatility, adding both inside and from the free-throw line. The team also showcased their defensive capabilities, with multiple steals and a block by Nia Blocton. The visiting team closed the quarter by maintaining their lead with accurate free throw shooting from Gomez Alonso, ending the third quarter ahead 69–55.
The Moccasins opened the fourth quarter with a decisive scoring run, spearheaded by Gomez Alonso's layup and free-throw combination at 9:23. This marked the beginning of a dominant stretch, during which Gomez Alonso added multiple layups, contributing to a substantial lead. Gomes facilitated with assists and added a fast-break layup at 5:21, further extending the advantage.
Balistrere and Gianna Vos each connected from beyond the arc, with Vos assisting on Balistrere's 3-pointer at 6:36. FSC's defense was pivotal, forcing six turnovers and converting them into 11 points. The team closed the quarter with Dakota Daniello's fast-break layup at 1:02, sealing a 96–63 victory.
 Gomez Alonso scored 24 points and recorded 10 rebounds while adding six steals and five assists. Gomes contributed 18 points and tallied nine rebounds, along with five steals and six assists. Pereira added 20 points, making 8 of 12 field goal attempts. Vos finished with 11 points, converting three shots from beyond the arc and collecting two steals.
Florida Southern returns home for the first home conference game of the season, where they will honor the 2015-16 Elite Eight team as well as all alumni as they host Rollins in Jenkins Field House. The tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m.
