WINTER PARK, Fla. — Florida Southern College (16-5, 10-4 SSC) defeated Rollins College (7-15, 2-13 SSC), 70-53, with a strong 36 points in the paint.
The Moccasins continued its strong stretch of play with a balanced offensive performance, highlighted by three players scoring in double figures as
Nia Blocton (15pts, 12rbs) and
Sydney Gomes (22pts, 11rbs) each recorded double-doubles and
Lily Randgaard added 15 points. Randgaard has now posted at least 15 points in three consecutive games, while Blocton has reached the 15-point mark in back-to-back contests and previously tied her career-high with 12 rebounds against Rollins (Dec.6, 2025). Gomes extended her remarkable consistency as well, pushing her double-digit scoring streak to 24 consecutive games.
Florida Southern opened the game with strong offensive momentum, quickly responding to the Tars' early three-pointer with a jumper from Blocton. The Moccasins maintained pressure, taking advantage of fast-break opportunities and converting free throws to gain an edge.
Monica Balistrere's three-pointer at the 6:03 mark extended the lead, as the team capitalized on defensive stops and rebounds.
As the quarter progressed, FSC's defense limited Rollins' scoring chances, while
Gianna Vos and Gomes added crucial points. The team ended the first quarter effectively, with Gomes sinking a 3-pointer and two free throws in the final minute. Florida Southern led the Tars 21-13 at the close of the first quarter.
Florida Southern started the second quarter with a strong defensive effort, forcing six turnovers from the Tars and converting them into nine points. Blocton was instrumental, grabbing rebounds and contributing to the scoring with crucial free throws and a layup. The Mocs built momentum with a 7-0 run highlighted by layups from Gomes and Randgaard, extending their lead.
FSC maintained control throughout the quarter, capitalizing on Rollins' missed opportunities with effective fast breaks and points in the paint. Gomes capped the quarter with a defensive block and rebound, helping Florida Southern close the second quarter with an 18-9 advantage, leading 41-22 at halftime.
Florida Southern initiated a strong third quarter with an effective 18-point effort. The team capitalized on second-chance opportunities, securing six offensive rebounds, and maintained defensive pressure with solid stops, including a block by
Lily Pereira. Vos contributed significantly with a crucial steal and a fast-break layup, further extending the team's lead. Gomes added a 3-pointer, assisted by Randgaard, which was part of a scoring surge that saw the team pull ahead. As the quarter progressed, the Mocs outscored the Tars 18–13, ending with a 57–35 advantage at the close of the third quarter.
The Moccasins maintained momentum in the final quarter with a combined effort on both ends of the court. Gomes contributed significantly with a layup early in the quarter, and Randgaard extended the lead with a key 3-pointer at 5:22, assisted by Gomes. Despite Rollins' attempts to close the gap with effective scoring in the paint, FSC's defense held firm, highlighted by a defensive rebound from Randgaard in the closing seconds.
The Tars found success with a series of layups, but FSC responded with free throws and a tip-in by Pereira to keep the score in their favor. Randgaard's defensive rebound in the final seconds ensured FSC closed out the game with a solid lead. The Mocs finished the quarter ahead, securing a 70-53 victory.
Gomes led the team with 22 points, converting 8 of 9 free throws and adding 11 rebounds. Blocton contributed significantly by scoring 15 points while collecting 12 rebounds. Randgaard added 15 points, making 3 of 5 from beyond the arc and dishing out two assists. Vos provided defensive support with three steals and recorded five points.
In their next game, the Moccasins will face off against Eckerd on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 5:30 p.m in Jenkins Field House.
