LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern women's basketball (10-1, 4-0 SSC) defeated Palm Beach Atlantic (5-8, 1-4 SSC), 67-52, with a dominant rebounding performance that saw a 51-30 advantage on the boards.
Florida Southern stay perfect in conference play with a strong team effort, as four Mocs scored in double figures in the victory.
Sydney Gomes led the way with 20 points, while
Nia Blocton recorded a double-double, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The Moccasins capitalized on the Sailfish's 16 turnovers, converting them into 18 points, while also receiving a significant contribution of 23 points from the bench.
FSC started the first quarter by establishing control in the paint, scoring 10 points inside while capitalizing on fast breaks with 4 points. The team managed to convert 5 field goals, despite not finding success from beyond the arc, going 0-for-4 from three-point range.
Gianna Vos and Gomes contributed to a strong transition game, with Gomes' fastbreak layup at 6:34 helping the Moccasins maintain a narrow lead. The home team also capitalized on turnovers, forcing four from the Sailfish, and secured 13 rebounds, including 4 on the offensive end, to keep possessions alive. As the quarter progressed, PBA found success with three 3-pointers, including a crucial one by Breeje Schuler at the 19-second mark, allowing them to edge ahead. Florida Southern ended the quarter trailing, 14-11.
The second quarter began with a pivotal three-pointer by
Emily Ridderstrom, assisted by
Lily Pereira, tying the score at 14. Despite multiple turnovers, the Moccasins managed to stay within reach through defensive rebounds and free throws, including a pair by Gomes that narrowed the gap. Defensive efforts were highlighted by Gomes' steal at the 2:38 mark, keeping the home team competitive. As the quarter progressed, the home team capitalized on Palm Beach Atlantic's foul troubles, with
Lily Randgaard and Gomes converting crucial free throws to trim the deficit. Gomes' layup, assisted by Randgaard, brought the score to 29-28 in favor of the Sailfish. The second quarter closed with the Mocs trailing by one, maintaining a tight contest heading into halftime.
FSC started the third quarter by overcoming an early deficit and tying the game at 31 with a three-pointer by Gomes at 8:29. The team continued to build momentum with a defensive rebound by Blocton and another assist by
Monica Balistrere, leading to a jumper by Blocton that tied the score again at 34. Midway through the quarter, Randgaard hit a three-pointer at 5:14, giving the Moccasins a 37–34 lead. The home team maintained their scoring drive with another three-pointer from Gomes at 3:29, extending the lead to 40–35. Florida Southern closed the quarter strong with a fast-break layup by Vos at 1:12, expanding the lead further. Despite a late 3-pointer by the Sailfish, the Mocs ended the quarter ahead, 50–42.
Florida Southern extended their lead early in the fourth quarter with consecutive free throws by
Carlota Gomez Alonso, pushing the score to 52-42. The team maintained defensive strength, limiting Palm Beach Atlantic to just one field goal in ten attempts. Blocton's layup at 7:55, supported by a Pereira assist, helped sustain momentum. Balistrere's back-to-back three-pointers at 5:01 and 4:15 further solidified Florida Southern's control, increasing the lead to 62-48. Gomes contributed significantly with a layup and defensive rebound, maintaining pressure on the visitors. Despite some turnovers, the Mocs' defense held firm, and they concluded the quarter leading 67-52, securing the victory.
Gomes scored 20 points, making 5 of 12 field goals and converting 8 of 10 free throws, while also recording three steals and collecting nine rebounds. Randgaard added 12 points and contributed defensively with two steals and seven rebounds. Blocton posted a strong performance on the boards, securing 11 rebounds and adding 10 points. Balistrere scored 10 points, including two 3-pointers, and dished out three assists.
In their next game, FSC will face Nova Southeastern on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 2 p.m. Florida Southern will be away for this matchup.
