LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern women's basketball (11-2, 5-1 SSC) defeated Barry University (5-8, 2-4 SSC), 80-62, at Jenkins Field House, maintaining a steady lead throughout the game. The Moccasins capitalized with 21 fast-break points and 28 points from the bench.
FSC opened the first quarter with a strong defensive effort, forcing seven turnovers and leading to eight points off turnovers.
Sydney Gomes played a pivotal role, contributing with multiple steals and scoring on fast breaks, including a layup at 3:35. The team capitalized on these opportunities to gain an early advantage, with
Gianna Vos adding a crucial jumper to extend the lead.
Offensively, the Mocs were efficient, shooting 10-for-19 from the field and assisting on five baskets.
Monica Balistrere contributed with a key 3-pointer, while
Lily Randgaard closed the quarter with two free throws. The home team led the Buccaneers 28-15 at the end of the first quarter, showcasing a solid start.
The second quarter began with Barry attempting to close the gap, but Florida Southern maintained control with a steady offensive performance. Gomes initiated the momentum with a 3-pointer at 8:18, assisted by
Carlota Gomez Alonso, pushing the lead to 31–17. Florida Southern continued to capitalize on opportunities in the paint, with
Nacoya Blocton and Vos contributing key layups that kept the home team's lead intact.
Despite the Bucs' efforts to chip away at the lead, including a 3-pointer by Isabella Brenzil and a late 3-pointer by Kendall Parker, the Mocs' consistent scoring and defensive rebounding, led by Gomez Alonso, helped manage the quarter. The quarter concluded with Florida Southern leading 46–35, maintaining an 11-point lead heading into the next quarter.
The third quarter began with Barry making a strong push, narrowing the gap with early points in the paint. However, FSC responded as Gomes sank a crucial three-pointer, assisted by Balistrere, which helped maintain their lead.
As the quarter progressed, Florida Southern capitalized on turnover opportunities, highlighted by Gomes converting a fast-break layup following a steal. This was complemented by
Lily Pereira's success at the free-throw line, extending the home team's advantage.
Florida Southern's defensive rebounds were pivotal in limiting Barry's chances, while
Nacoya Blocton's layup in the final minute secured the quarter's scoring. The quarter concluded with Florida Southern leading 62–50, having slightly outscored Barry 16–15 in the quarter.
The Mocs began the fourth quarter by maintaining a steady lead over the Buccaneers. Despite an early 3-pointer by Kendall Parker for Barry, FSC responded with effective scoring in the paint and from the free-throw line. Vos and
Nia Blocton contributed crucial points from the line, while Gomez Alonso added to the scoreboard with consecutive free throws, pushing the lead to 68–57.
In the latter half, Gomes and Gomez Alonso extended the advantage with key field goals, including a 3-pointer from Gomez Alonso at 3:44. The team's defensive efforts, including a block by Gomes and a steal by Blocton, helped to keep Barry at bay. As the quarter closed,
Arantxa Concepcion and
Dakota Daniello combined for an assist and layup, securing an 80–62 victory for Florida Southern.
Gomes led the team with 26 points and recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds. She also contributed five assists and three steals. Gomez Alonso added 12 points, including three 3-pointers, and collected eight rebounds. Vos matched her 12-point effort, while also making two steals and providing two assists. Blocton tallied two steals and gathered seven rebounds.
In their next game, the Moccasins will travel to face Florida Tech on Saturday, Jan. 10. The matchup is set for 2 p.m.
