BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Saint Leo women's basketball team fell on Saturday afternoon at the hands of the No. 24 team in the USA Today Sports Division II women's basketball poll in Benedict College, 74-49. The Lions saw different players step up throughout the game, but the rebounding ability of the Benedict Lady Tigers proved to be the difference, as they grabbed 55 boards to the Lions 35, and added 28 second chance points.

The Basics
Final Score: Saint Leo 49, Benedict 74
Records: Saint Leo 3-6 | Benedict 8-1

1Q | The Lions showed grit on the boards in the opening quarter, grabbing 11 boards, just one less than the No. 1 team in rebounding margin in Benedict. But a low-percentage from the field proved to be the difference. Saint Leo hit just three of 14 shots from the field, while the Lady Tigers hit nine of 20. | Benedict 20-7 |

2Q | Saint Leo's offense started clicking in the second period as they out-scored the Lady Tigers, 16-15, over the period. They improved their shooting to 33.3-percent, connecting on six of 18 attempts. Jone' Akins helped provide a defensive spark as she stopped multiple fast-break opportunities for Benedict. The 5-foot-4 guard recorded two blocks in the period. However, the size of Benedict bothered the Lions, as the Lady Tigers scored 16 points in the paint, and recorded 11 second-chance points off their 12 offensive rebounds. | Benedict 35-23 |

3Q | Benedict added 10 second-chance points in the third, and connected on nine of 11 from the free throw line to extend their lead in the third period. Saint Leo added seven of their own from the charity stripe, but added just four baskets from the field. Six third period turnovers also haunted the Lions as the Lady Tigers added 10 points off of turnovers. | Benedict 59-39 |

4Q | Saint Leo could never close the gap that evolved over the game, however they did remain aggressive. The Lions recorded seven offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter, and netted eight points off of forced turnovers. In fact, the Lions forced the Lady Tigers into nine fourth period turnovers. The Lion's just could not find the bottom of the net as they recorded just three made baskets. | Benedict 74-49 |

Points to Note

• Chelsy Springs bounced back after her first non-double-digit scoring performance the last time out, to lead the team with 13 points.
• Akins recorded her second-highest point production of the season, sinking eight points, while adding two rebounds, a steal, and an extremely impressive two blocks.
• Alysia Johnson had a solid defensive performance, recording a team-high four steals, adding a block and eight rebounds.
• Saint Leo's 49 points is tied for the lowest of the season, while their 25-percent shooting was a season low. The Lions also forced the Lady Tigers into 20 turnovers.

For the Lady Tigers

• The Lady Tigers were led by KaDeeja Vaughn, who led all scorers and rebounders with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Vaughn also recorded a game-high seven turnovers.
• Ten different Benedict players scored, while another 10 also recorded a rebound.
• The Lady Tigers out-rebounded Saint Leo, 55-35, 26 of which were offensive. Benedict leads the nation in rebounding margin with a +13.8 differential, which will now increase.

Up Next
Saint Leo will continue their stay in Boca Raton, Fla. to participate in the Lynn Classic. The Lions will play Shaw on Sunday at 12 P.M.