LAKELAND, Fla. – In a game that saw the Saint Leo (9-14, 1-11 SSC) register just one three-point shot attempt, the Lions could not keep pace with the hot shooting Florida Southern College Moccasins (17-4, 9-2 SSC) as they fell in by the final score of 73-49, Wednesday evening from the Jenkins Field House in Sunshine State Conference action.
Leading the way for the Green & Gold was senior Lauren Lee and her 13-point, eight-rebound, two-block effort. In addition to Lee, freshman Chelsea Williams bucketed 12 points, while Jamarra Robinson chipped in eight points and tallied four rebounds.
The Moccasins, who shot 41.5 percent (22-of-53) from the floor, also had multiple impressive performances from the bench as the group outscored the Lions, 26-11. Florida Southern also took advantage of 20 Saint Leo turnovers, converting them into 20 points.
It was Florida Southern’s precision shooting, as well as the rebounding effort of senior forward Emma Cannon, which set the early tone to the game. Scooting out to a 16-3 lead over the first 10 minutes, the Mocs controlled the pace of play from the beginning of the contest, soon pushing the advantage out to as much as 18 with five minutes remaining.
Still, Williams and Robinson did not let the Lions go into the halftime break quietly as they were responsible for the team’s final seven points.
After creating a 38-18 lead at the half, Florida Southern then used perimeter and free throw shooting to expand the lead to 22 with 11:34 to play in the second period.
Despite the Lions going nearly point-for-point with the Moccasins in the second half, including 11 points from Lee and 16 in the paint, they could not make a dent in the advantage as Florida Southern kept a running lead of 20 for the remainder of the game.
In addition, the Lions were also out-rebounded for the second-straight game as the Mocs held a four rebound, 39-35, edge.
Saint Leo will continue its road trek this Saturday when they head to Winter Park, Fla. to take on the Rollins Tars in SSC action. Opening tip is currently set for 2:00 p.m.
