FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — In the Sunshine State Conference Championship game, Florida Southern College women's basketball (23-7, 15-5 SSC) fell to Nova Southeastern University (27-4, 16-4 SSC), 78-74, at Rick Case Arena despite holding a five-point lead at halftime.
Sydney Gomes led the way with 24 points, converting 9 of 11 field goals while pulling down eight rebounds.
Carlota Gomez Alonso matched her with 24 points of her own and added three offensive rebounds.
Lily Randgaard contributed eight points and seven rebounds while pacing the team with four assists, and
Nacoya Blocton made her presence felt defensively with two blocks and four rebounds.
Following their performances throughout the tournament, Gomes and Randgaard were named to the SSC All-Tournament Team.
The Moccasins started the first quarter with a strong inside presence, scoring 10 points in the paint and matching Nova Southeastern in points off turnovers with four. Despite trailing early, Florida Southern rallied with a series of successful free throws, spearheaded by
Nia Blocton's precision at the line, tying the score multiple times throughout the quarter.
As the quarter progressed, Florida Southern demonstrated resilience, cutting a seven-point deficit to one. Gomes contributed significantly with a key layup and a defensive block in the closing moments. FSC ended the quarter trailing narrowly, 18-17.
FSC opened the second quarter with a strong offensive display, highlighted by two back-to-back 3-pointers from
Lily Pereira and Gomes, giving them an early advantage. The Moccasins maintained momentum with effective scoring in the paint, led by Gomez Alonso who contributed significantly with multiple layups and jumpers.
Despite turnovers in the middle of the quarter, Florida Southern countered with effective perimeter shooting.
Gianna Vos and Gomes each added crucial 3-pointers, keeping the lead intact. As the quarter progressed, the Moccasins capitalized on Nova Southeastern's fouls, with Gomes converting free throws to extend the lead.
The Mocs closed the quarter by holding off a late surge from Nova Southeastern and ended with a 45-39 advantage after two quarters.
The Sharks surged in the third quarter, overcoming an early deficit by capitalizing on turnovers and second-chance opportunities. Florida Southern managed to maintain a narrow lead at the start, with Gomes contributing from the free-throw line, but struggled with ball control, committing nine turnovers.
Nova Southeastern took advantage with a 27-point quarter, fueled by Bridie McCann's perimeter shooting and Kaliyah Morales' presence in the paint. Florida Southern countered with a late layup by Randgaard, but Nova Southeastern closed the quarter with a 66–56 lead.
FSC opened the fourth quarter with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by
Nia Blocton's block in the first minute. The team steadily closed the gap with contributions from Randgaard and Gomez Alonso, who combined for key field goals that brought the score to 66-70.
Midway through the quarter, Florida Southern capitalized on Nova Southeastern's turnovers, allowing Gomes to tie the game at 74 with a jumper at 1:17. However, despite their efforts, including a late layup attempt by Randgaard, Florida Southern fell short as Nova Southeastern secured the win with free throws and a final jumper. The game concluded with a score of 78-74 in favor of Nova Southeastern.
The Moccasins await their fate in the NCAA tournament, announced on Sunday night at 10:30 PM ET on ncaa.com.Â
