LAKELAND, Fla. — In a statement win to close out the regular season, Florida Southern College (21-6, 15-5 SSC) powered past No. 9 Nova Southeastern University (24-4, 16-4 SSC) with a commanding 90-73 victory inside Jenkins Field House.
Before tipoff, the Mocs honored five seniors who have helped shape the foundation of the program:
Carlota Gomez Alonso,
Monica Balistrere,
Catalina Ion,
Lily Randgaard, and
Sydney Gomes. With emotions running high on Senior Day, the group delivered a performance to remember.
Fueled by that energy, the Moccasins dominated the glass with a 14-rebound advantage and controlled the paint, outscoring the Sharks 48-38 inside. Randgaard rose to the moment in her final regular-season home game, pouring in a career-high 28 points to help secure the decisive win.
The victory stands as the program's highest-ranked triumph since January 2001 and sends the Mocs into postseason play with undeniable momentum.
FSC started the first quarter with aggressive play, utilizing fast breaks and scoring 18 points in the paint.
Gianna Vos and Gomes were instrumental, each contributing with key layups and assists. The home team capitalized on turnovers, converting six assists into significant points, while limiting the Sharks to 10 paint points.
The Mocs' defense was effective, forcing six turnovers and securing four steals. Offensive rebounds and free throws further extended their lead, with
Lily Pereira and Gomez Alonso adding crucial points from the line. As the quarter closed, FSC maintained a solid lead, ending the first quarter 27–16.
Gomes sparked the quarter's momentum with a 3-pointer at the 9:00 mark, assisted by Gomez Alonso. Florida Southern capitalized on this start, extending its lead through consistent scoring and strong rebounding efforts. Randgaard and Gomez Alonso played key roles in maintaining the offensive pressure, contributing crucial layups and free throws.
Florida Southern's defense limited the Sharks' opportunities, allowing only one successful 3-pointer and securing defensive rebounds. The quarter closed with Randgaard's fast-break layup and free throw, pushing Florida Southern's lead to 54–34. The team ended the second quarter with a 54–34 advantage, effectively controlling the pace and the scoreboard.
Florida Southern maintained its lead through the third quarter, opening with a strong defensive showing that limited the Sharks. Gomes contributed a layup early to keep the momentum on the home side. Despite turnovers, Florida Southern's offense capitalized on second-chance opportunities, with Randgaard securing key rebounds.
The team extended its lead with effective shooting from the field, including a three-pointer by Gomez Alonso. The quarter closed with the Mocs outscoring the Sharks 20–18, maintaining a solid advantage heading into the final quarter.
Florida Southern maintained its lead throughout the fourth quarter with efficient shooting and steady ball movement, highlighted by Randgaard's three-pointer at 5:52, assisted by Gomez Alonso. Despite committing seven turnovers, the team consistently found opportunities in the paint, adding eight points from close range.
Nova Southeastern attempted to close the gap with 14 points in the paint and capitalized on turnovers with six steals, but Florida Southern's early lead proved insurmountable. The quarter concluded with the Mocs ahead, ending the game with a score of 90-73.
Randgaard led Florida Southern College with 28 points, converting 10 of 16 field goal attempts and grabbing 14 rebounds. Gomes added 16 points and recorded seven assists while collecting seven rebounds. Gomez Alonso contributed with 12 points, five assists, and three steals.
With the victory, Florida Southern clinches the No. 4 seed in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament and will host No. 5 seed University of Tampa in the SSC Quarterfinal on Tuesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. inside Jenkins Field House.
