LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern women's basketball (14-5, 8-4 SSC) rolled to a 92-69 victory over Saint Leo University (6-11, 3-9 SSC) inside Jenkins Field House, highlighted by a season-best 30 assists and 22 points off turnovers. The win marked the Moccasins' 90th all-time victory over the Lions, making Saint Leo the first series in program history in which Florida Southern has reached the 90-win milestone.
Lily Pereira poured in a career-high 26 points to lead the way, while
Sydney Gomes recorded her eighth double-double of the season with 22 points and 12 rebounds.
Lily Randgaard exceeded her previous season high, finishing with 15 points to round out the double-figure scorers.
Florida Southern opened the first quarter with a strong defensive presence, collecting eight offensive rebounds and seven assists. Despite early turnovers, the team found rhythm midway through, highlighted by Pereira's performance, contributing key baskets and assists. The home team closed the quarter on a high note, with Gomes hitting a crucial 3-pointer at 0:48 and Pereira adding another from beyond the arc at 0:17, narrowing the gap. The Mocs trailed narrowly, 23-22, at the end of the first quarter, setting up a competitive contest.
FSC capitalized on defensive pressure early in the second quarter, forcing turnovers and converting them into fast-break points. Randgaard tied the score at 25 with a 3-pointer, assisted by
Gianna Vos, at 9:03. Gomes further extended the momentum with a quick steal and layup, followed by another 3-pointer, pushing the home team's lead to 43–27 midway through the quarter. The defensive effort continued with multiple steals and a strong presence in the paint, maintaining control of the game. Florida Southern's offensive efficiency was highlighted by Gomes and
Emily Ridderstrom's successful 3-pointers, widening the gap. Despite a late push by the Lions, including a 3-pointer from Olivia Agunzo, the quarter ended with the Mocs leading 54–36.
Florida Southern began the third quarter with a notable defensive block by Vos, setting the tone early. Pereira then sparked the team with a layup and a 3-pointer, contributing to a scoring surge that widened the gap. The home team capitalized on turnovers, with
Nia Blocton and Randgaard each securing steals and assists, maintaining offensive pressure. Midway through the quarter, the Moccasins continued to dominate offensively, with Pereira and Vos executing fast break plays, further extending the lead. Gomes added to the scoreboard with a layup, and Ridderstrom connected on a 3-pointer. The team's defensive efforts limited the Lions' chances, with multiple defensive rebounds and a significant number of steals. As the quarter closed, Florida Southern maintained control, with Randgaard hitting a buzzer-beater 3-pointer. The quarter ended with the Mocs ahead, 80–48, extending their lead and maintaining momentum into the final quarter.
FSC managed to maintain their advantage in the fourth quarter with key contributions from various players. Randgaard connected on a crucial 3-pointer at 7:31, assisted by Vos, to keep the momentum on the Moccasins' side. Later,
Dakota Daniello added a jumper at 2:32, helping to solidify the lead. Although the Lions closed the gap with fast-break points, including a layup by Jailenn Green, FSC responded effectively.
Nacoya Blocton scored a layup at 4:27, and Gomes added another at 4:55. Florida Southern concluded the quarter with a 92-69 victory, maintaining a comfortable lead throughout.
Pereira scored a career-high 26 points, hitting three 3-pointers and providing four assists. Gomes finished with 22 points, recording 12 rebounds and six steals while adding eight assists. Randgaard contributed 15 points, making six field goals and dishing out five assists. Vos recorded seven rebounds and six assists, contributing to the team's overall performance.
The next challenge for Florida Southern arrives on Wednesday, Feb. 4, as they travel to face Palm Beach Atlantic. The game is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.
