ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – In the first day of the Eckerd College Thanksgiving Classic, the Saint Leo University women's basketball was defeated for the first time this season, at the hands of Southern New Hampshire University by an 80-60 final score.
The Lions take their first loss, dipping to 3-1 on the season while the Penmen improve to 3-2.
Freshman Maggie Flynn posted a career-high 15 points across 30 minutes of play, coming off the bench in the first half to provide an offensive spark. Senior Melissa Jackson spun a double-double with a career-high of 14 rebounds to go along with 10 points. Senior Kinnara Lewis reached double-digits with 13 points to round out the Lions offense.
The Lions forced 25 turnovers however the team was unable to overcome the SNHU attack which shot 56.9% from the field.
The Penmen were led by Vic Wiseman, as the forward totaled 21 points, four boards and three assists to compliment a 16-point outing from Brooke Springfield. Senior guard Springfield posted a team-leading seven rebounds in the win.
The Lions ended the first stanza trailing 33-29 as Jackson led the charge with seven points and eight rebounds. Guards Flynn and Monique Bunk each scored seven points as the balanced offense was not enough to enter the half with a lead. The Penmen looked to Wiseman and Springfield for the offense, as the duo ended the half with eight and nine points, respectively.
Saint Leo endured 47 points from the Penmen, as the SNHU offense built traction from its meager four-point lead at the half. Wiseman finished with 13 second half points to push the game from reach. Lions' guard Flynn threatened, but was unable to match the SNHU tandem despite posting eight second-half points.
The Lions will continue the Eckerd College Thanksgiving Classic with a 1 p.m. contest against the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamon on Saturday, Nov. 29th. Live stats and video links will be available at www.saintleolions.com.
For more information on the Saint Leo women's basketball program, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Also, be sure to 'Like' the Lions on Facebook and 'Follow' Saint Leo Athletics on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
