Box Score TAMPA, Fla. — Florida Southern women's basketball (12-5, 6-4 SSC) fell to the University of Tampa (11-8, 6-4 SSC), 64-55, as the Spartans outscored Florida Southern by 10 points in the first quarter. The game featured three ties and two lead changes, with the Moccasins scoring 17 points off turnovers.

Monica Balistrere led the team with 17 points, converting four of seven 3-point attempts. Sydney Gomes contributed 11 points and added four assists to her performance. Lily Randgaard scored 10 points and collected two offensive rebounds. Nia Blocton posted eight points and recorded seven rebounds, including five on the offensive end, while also tallying two steals.

FSC started the first quarter with strong shooting accuracy, converting 5 of 8 baskets, including a 3-pointer. Despite committing six turnovers, they managed a solid presence in the paint, with eight points coming from inside. Gianna Vos contributed early with a defensive rebound that led to a scoring opportunity for Gomes, who scored twice in the paint during the quarter.

Tampa capitalized on scoring opportunities, generating six points off turnovers and accumulating 16 points in the paint. They held a slight edge on defense with four steals, which helped them maintain possession and limited the Mocs' scoring chances. The quarter concluded with Tampa leading 22–12.

Florida Southern initiated a momentum shift in the second quarter by capitalizing on turnovers, with Gomes's steal leading to a Randgaard 3-pointer at 9:06. The team continued to press, forcing multiple turnovers and scoring on back-to-back possessions, including another Randgaard 3-pointer assisted by Gomes. 

The visitors outscored Tampa 20-12 in the quarter, showcasing strong perimeter shooting with four 3-pointers. The Moccasins' defensive pressure resulted in six turnovers by Tampa, while Gomes contributed significantly with assists and key defensive plays. The quarter concluded with Florida Southern narrowing the deficit to 34-32.

The third quarter began with a closely contested battle as both teams matched each other point for point. Florida Southern opened with a scoring push, highlighted by Balistrere's 3-pointer, which brought the score to 39–40, keeping the game within reach. Gomes contributed with key free throws, further tightening the score.

Tampa responded with consistent scoring in the paint, but the Moccasins maintained pressure through timely baskets from Balistrere and a pivotal layup by Randgaard. Despite turnovers and fouls on both sides, the visitors managed to tie the game at 42–42 midway through the quarter.

As the quarter drew to a close, Florida Southern's Nia Blocton secured an offensive rebound and converted a tip-in at the buzzer, closing the quarter with the score at 49–51, maintaining a tight contest heading into the final stretch.

The Mocs initiated the fourth quarter with a strong presence in the paint, as Blocton secured an early offensive rebound and converted it into a layup, tying the score at 51. Vos continued the momentum with another layup at 6:09, giving Florida Southern a brief lead. However, Tampa responded with a 3-pointer from Giorgia Palmieri, shifting the lead back in their favor.

Despite a spirited effort, including a crucial steal by Randgaard, FSC faced challenges in converting baskets, missing several attempts beyond the arc and within the paint. As time wound down, Tampa capitalized on free throws and extended their lead, concluding the quarter with a 64–55 victory over the Moccasins.

In their next game, Florida Southern will host Lynn on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.