MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Saint Leo women's basketball team stepped up their defense in the second half, holding the host Florida Tech to just 16.7-percent shooting, but it was not enough to erase the 55.2-percent they shot in the first half, and the Panther took the game, 63-47.
The Lions saw three players score in the double figures in Chelsy Springs, Mary Redmond, and Izabell Skoogh led the way. Saint Leo showed its desire in the third period, holding the host to just three points and just 6.7-percent shooting. However, turnovers and fouls haunted the Lions, as they committed 31 turnovers, and committed 28 fouls, 13 which came in the closing period.
The Basics
Final Score: Saint Leo 47 | Florida Tech 63
Location: Clemente Center | Melbourne, Fla.
Records: Saint Leo 4-10, 1-5 | Florida Tech 10-3, 5-1
How It Happened
1Q | The hosts opened the period on a 7-0 run, and extended the lead to as much a 12-2, but the Lions countered. With Redmond hitting two threes, and Springs converting an and-1 opportunity, the Lions closed the gap to just six points. FIT was able to convert 10 of their 19 first quarter points off of Lions turnovers. | FIT 19-13 |
2Q | Saint Leo did not hit their first point of the second period until almost four minutes had past, when Springs connected on one of two free throw attempts, but by that point the Panthers inflated their lead to 11 points. Skoogh hit her first three point field goal of the game, closing the gap to eight, but that was the closest it would be. FIT closed the period on an 11-3 run, and hit 55.2-percent of its shots in the first half to go into the locker room with the lead. | FIT 41-23 |
3Q | Impressive Lions defense highlighted the third period, as Saint Leo held FIT to just three points, and shot just 6.7-percent. Those three points were obtained by the Panthers with just 1:30 left on the clock. Saint Leo scored 11 points of their own, seeing Asia Royster connect on her first three of the season. | FIT 44-34 |
4Q | Fouls defined the fourth quarter as the Lions committed 13 in that period alone and the Panthers hit 13 of 18 free throw attempts. The Lions closed the score to just an eight point differential off an Redmond three, but despite solid full court defense, the Lions were unable to close any closer than that due to the free throw opportunities the Panthers received. | FIT 63-47 |
Points to Note
- Springs led the way with 15 points for her 13th double digit scoring performance of the season. She added a team-best three steals.
- Redmond had her third-straight double-digit performance with 13 points. The sharp-shooter hit three of five from deep for her sixth multi-three point field goal game.
- Skoogh found herself in the double digits for the first time in five games, as she added 10 points.
For the Panthers
- The Panthers saw Shequana Harris lead the way with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Kareese Johnson followed with 16 points and six steals.
- FIT shot 55.2-percent in the first half, but saw a polar opposite second half as the connected on just 16.7-percent of their latter-half shots.
- As a team, the Panthers tallied 16 steals.
Up Next
Saint Leo return home in Sunshine State Conference play on Saturday, Jan. 9, as the Lions host Rollins. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's basketball, be sure to visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
