FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The Florida Southern College Women's Basketball (10-2, 4-1 SSC) fell to the Nova Southeastern University (14-0, 6-0 SSC), 83-72, at Rick Case Arena on Saturday. Despite a balanced scoring effort and 19 points off turnovers, the Moccasins could not overcome the Sharks' 42 points in the paint.
Florida Southern began the first quarter with an early 5–0 lead, highlighted by
Monica Balistrere's three-pointer and subsequent free throws following a foul.
Lily Pereira contributed with a steal at 9:06, enhancing defensive pressure. Despite several missed shots, the Mocs maintained momentum with offensive rebounds and a critical three-pointer by
Gianna Vos at 4:25, pushing the score to 12–6.
The Sharks responded, narrowing the gap with a series of successful plays, including a fast-break three-pointer at 2:38. The Mocs countered with free throws from
Carlota Gomez Alonso, but the Sharks gained a brief lead with a late layup at 0:55. Florida Southern's
Catalina Ion tied the game with a layup at 0:45. The quarter concluded with both teams deadlocked at 20–20.
FSC began the second quarter with an assertive scoring drive, highlighted by Gomez Alonso's layup at 9:43, which set the tone early.
Sydney Gomes contributed with a defensive rebound and a layup, extending the lead to 26–20. Pereira's three-pointer at 5:52 pushed the advantage to double digits.
The Sharks' Celeste Reed answered with a layup to reduce the deficit, but the Moccasins maintained control through Gomez Alonso's layup at 1:54. Despite a late jumper from Taydra Simpson at the buzzer, Florida Southern ended the quarter ahead, leading 39–33.
The third quarter began with the Sharks gaining momentum, closing the gap early and taking the lead. Despite this shift, the Mocs responded with a crucial 3-pointer from Gomes at 7:12, briefly regaining the lead. Gomes continued to impact the game with a steal and fast-break layup, putting Florida Southern ahead 46–42.
Nova Southeastern countered with an offensive surge in the paint, eventually pulling ahead and extending their lead. Florida Southern managed a late push, highlighted by free throws from Gomes, but couldn't close the gap. The quarter ended with the Sharks leading 60–53.
The final quarter began with the Sharks maintaining momentum, extending their lead with points in the paint and second-chance opportunities. Florida Southern responded with a layup by Ion and a 3-pointer from Vos, supported by assists from
Lily Randgaard and Gomes, narrowing the gap.
Despite a strong defensive effort by the Moccasins, which included steals by Gomez Alonso and Vos, the Sharks capitalized on fast breaks and bench scoring to maintain their advantage. FSC continued to press, with Ion hitting a late 3-pointer to keep the contest within reach.
In the closing minutes, the Moccasins managed several free throws by Randgaard, but the Sharks' scoring, including a late 3-pointer by Simpson, secured their lead. The quarter concluded with the Sharks leading 83–72, sealing their victory.
Vos led the team with 14 points, connecting on 5 of 9 field goals and adding two steals.
Nia Blocton contributed significantly on the boards, recording 10 rebounds, with four on the offensive end. Gomes scored 13 points and matched that with two steals while also providing four assists. Gomez Alonso added 10 points and recorded five rebounds while distributing four assists.
Looking ahead, FSC will host Barry on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in Jenkins Field House.
