MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – Despite a balanced offensive effort, the Saint Leo University women's basketball team was edged by Barry University, 68-67 to begin Sunshine State Conference play. The Bucs trailed most of the game, but was able to outlast the Lions at the Barry Health and Sports Center on Saturday.
The Lions dip to 4-2 on the season and open up SSC games with a 0-1 tally. The hosting Buccaneers improve to 5-2, 1-0 in conference matchups.
The Green and Gold had five student-athletes reach double-digit points as senior Melissa Jackson led the charge, scoring a career-high 20 points and a team-high nine rebounds. The forward also posted a career-best six blocks for the Lions.
Junior Monique Bunk complemented with 16 points and seven rebounds while fellow junior Chachi Guzman scored 11. Guards Maggie Flynn and Kinnara Lewis each totaled 10 points to round out the offense.
Saint Leo out-shot the Bucs 53.1% to 39.7% while committing just six turnovers across the game. Barry was more effective from the free throw line, scoring 87.5% of shots taken at the stripe, while the Lions were 60%, missing six free chances.
The Lions began the first half shooting a torrid 50% from the field, as the Bucs had trouble catching up to the quick offense of Saint Leo. The Green and Gold scored eight fast-break points including five points off turnovers in the premier stanza.
Jackson led a balanced offense, as the senior drained a three-pointer while adding six points from the field for a team-leading 10. Guards Guzman and Flynn scored seven points apiece as the fast-paced offense of the Lions earned the team a 35-30 lead after the first 20 minutes of play. Barry looked to Jackie Perez for offensive output, as the guard led the game with 12 points.
Barry made up ground in the second half, as the Bucs began a back-and-forth battle with 5 five minutes remaining. Barry forward Emily Schahczinski rallied the Bucs to 58-58 before Nyjah Porcher gave Barry its first lead in nearly 30 minutes, draining a three-point shot for a 61-58 lead.
Jackson answered, nailing a trey just seconds after Porcher to tie the game at 61. Bunk returned the lead to Saint Leo, picking up a pair of points to push the score to a 63-61 advantage. Senior Jackson scored another basket, increasing her game total to 20 and giving the Lions a 65-63 lead. With under 10 seconds remaining, Porcher scored a pair to tie the game while drawing a foul for a chance to claim the lead.
The Bucs forward Porcher added the extra point to push Barry ahead 68-67 with seven seconds left in regulation. The Lions were unable to score as Barry edged Saint Leo to open up SSC play.
The Lions will continue its season on the road, taking on Palm Beach Atlantic University on Dec. 13th. The 5 p.m. contest will be played in the Rubin Arena on the campus of the Sailfish. Live stats as well as a live video webcast will be made available through 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.
