LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College (13-5, 7-4 SSC) defeated Lynn University (11-8, 5-6 SSC), 73-50, at Jenkins Field House, dominating the rebounding battle with a 46-22 advantage. The Moccasins also outscored the Fighting Knights 40-26 in the paint, contributing to their decisive victory.
Nia Blocton led the charge with a new career high, pouring in 14 points tonight — surpassing her previous career best of 13, which she set earlier this season at Lynn, hitting 7 of 11 field goals.
Sydney Gomes recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Gianna Vos matched Blocton's scoring output with 14 points, including two 3-pointers.
Monica Balistrere added 12 points and one block, shooting 5 of 12 from the field.
Florida Southern opened the first quarter with a strong start, establishing dominance in the paint with 12 points. Vos initiated scoring with an early layup and free throw, giving the home team an initial boost.
Nia Blocton contributed significantly with multiple layups, increasing the lead and capitalizing on fast breaks.
The home team's defense limited the Fighting Knights to just six points in the paint and forced two turnovers, while Gomes and
Lily Randgaard added crucial baskets, including a 3-pointer from Randgaard. The Moccasins closed the quarter leading 19-12, maintaining momentum through effective rebounding and defensive stops.
Florida Southern began the second quarter with a series of strategic plays, highlighted by
Nia Blocton's layup assisted by Randgaard and Vos's fast-break 3-pointer, which extended their lead. The team leveraged efficient passing, with six assists, to maintain offensive momentum. Defensive efforts were equally strong, as Gomes secured multiple defensive rebounds, helping limit the Fighting Knights' scoring opportunities.
Midway through the quarter, Balistrere's scoring surge, including consecutive 3-pointers and a layup, further increased Florida Southern's advantage. The team closed the quarter on a high note with a tip-in by
Nia Blocton at the buzzer, solidifying their defensive hold by allowing only eight points in the quarter. The Mocs led 38-20 at the end of the second quarter.
The third quarter saw significant action as Florida Southern maintained their lead against the Fighting Knights. Gomes initiated the quarter with a layup assisted by
Nia Blocton, setting the tone early.
Lily Pereira added to the momentum with a successful layup and free throw, pushing the score to 43. Despite the Fighting Knights' attempts to close the gap, including a 3-pointer by Trinity Mocadlo, FSC continued to answer back, with Balistrere contributing important points in the paint.
As the quarter progressed, Gomes sank a 3-pointer to extend the lead to 52. The Fighting Knights responded with scoring efforts but remained behind as the quarter continued. The Moccasins closed the quarter with a layup from
Emily Ridderstrom and a free throw by
Nacoya Blocton, concluding the third with a 55-43 advantage.
In the fourth quarter, the Mocs extended their advantage by scoring consistently from both inside and beyond the arc.
Nia Blocton contributed significantly with a layup at 9:36 and a jumper at 8:09, helping to maintain momentum. Vos added to the lead with a 3-pointer at 3:45. Defensively, the Mocs capitalized on the Fighting Knights' six turnovers, with Ridderstrom securing a key steal at 47 seconds. Closing strong,
Nacoya Blocton made a 3-pointer with under a minute remaining. Florida Southern won the quarter 18-7, concluding the game with a 73-50 victory.
Looking ahead, the Moccasins will face off against Saint Leo on Wednesday, Jan. 28. The game will tip off at 5:30 p.m.
