LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College women's basketball (18-6, 12-5 SSC) defeated Florida Tech (8-17, 5-13 SSC), 79-59, at Jenkins Field House in Sunshine State Conference action on Wednesday evening.
Sydney Gomes led the team with 28 points, converting six 3-pointers and going perfect on six free throw attempts.
Lily Randgaard contributed defensively with three steals and two blocks.
Carlota Gomez Alonso recorded 10 points, hitting two 3-pointers and securing four rebounds.
Lily Pereira added 12 points, successfully making both of her 3-point attempts. The Moccasins capitalized on a strong fourth quarter with 28 points. FSC recorded 11 steals and limited the Panthers to just four free throws.
The first quarter began with Florida Southern finding its rhythm after falling behind early. Florida Tech initially led with a couple of successful shots, including a 3-pointer, but the Mocs responded by tightening their defense, producing key stops and turnovers.
Gianna Vos and Gomes scored back-to-back layups to cut the deficit, while Pereira's 3-pointer at 4:01 helped the team take a lead they would maintain throughout the quarter.
FSC capitalized on Florida Tech's turnovers and bench contributions, extending its advantage through a late scoring surge. Randgaard's layup and Gomez Alonso's 3-pointer in the final seconds secured a 19-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw back-and-forth action as both teams matched each other point for point. Florida Southern maintained its lead with crucial plays, including a layup by Gomes and a 3-pointer in the closing seconds, also by Gomes, which provided a significant boost. Despite Florida Tech's efforts to close the gap with a couple of steals and a late jumper, the quarter ended with both teams scoring 17 points each, leaving the score at 36-27 in favor of Florida Southern.
FSC opened the third quarter with a strategic play, as Pereira connected on a 3-pointer assisted by Blocton at 9:32, extending its lead to 39–27. Despite the Panthers' effort to close the gap by scoring in the paint, including a 3-pointer by Roberts, the Mocs maintained their advantage with timely baskets. Gomes' 3-pointer and a subsequent layup by Pereira pushed the lead to 44–37.
As the quarter progressed, Florida Tech continued to pressure, narrowing the score to 46–45. However, FSC responded effectively with Vos' crucial 3-pointer and
Monica Balistrere's defensive rebound leading to a Randgaard 3-pointer, securing a 49–45 lead.
Emily Ridderstrom's steal and fast-break layup in the final seconds further solidified FSC's position, closing the quarter ahead 51–45.
FSC took control early in the fourth quarter with strong defensive plays and efficient scoring. Ridderstrom started the quarter with a layup, followed by a 3-pointer from Gomes, which extended the Mocs' lead. Fla. Southern's defense was pivotal, forcing six turnovers and generating five steals, which helped maintain their advantage. Offensively, the team was effective from the free-throw line, converting all 10 attempts, and Gomes connected on multiple 3-pointers, further widening the gap.
Closing the quarter, FSC sustained its lead with steady play and contributions from multiple players, including Gomez Alonso, who executed well from both the field and the charity stripe. The quarter concluded with the Mocs outscoring the Panthers 28–14, resulting in a decisive victory.
Looking ahead, the Moccasins will face Tampa on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. The matchup will take place at home in Jenkins Field House.
