Saint Leo University Athletics

SAINT LEO, Fla. – Freshman Alani Gallagher's career-high 26-point performance lifted Saint Leo women's basketball to a 72-70 win over Johnson & Wales (Fla.), Tuesday night at the Marion Bowman Activities Center.

Gallagher's layup at 3:25 of the fourth quarter gave Saint Leo a 67-66 lead over the visiting Wildcats, and the Lions held the lead the rest of the way for the win.

Senior Ragen Dotson went 4-of-4 at the charity stripe over the final two minutes to help Saint Leo clinch the win.

Tuesday's win marks the program's fourth straight victory, improving the Lions' overall record to 5-6.
 
The Basics
Final Score: Saint Leo 72, Johnson & Wales 70
Location: Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, Fla. | Marion Bowman Activities Center
Records: Saint Leo 5-6 | Johnson & Wales 4-9
 
How It Happened...
1Q | Alani Gallagher's jumper tied the game, 6-6 at 6:28. Johnson & Wales hot handed three-point game showcased seven threes in the first half. The first came from JoNae Gonzales: 14-13 at 1:56. Day Jackson responded on behalf of the Lions. She tallied a defensive rebound followed by a layup. The Wildcats continued to stay hot around the circle, sinking a three to level the scoreboard at 17 each after the first 10 minutes. | Tied 17-17 |
2Q | The Lions offense was unable to generate a bucket for 3:09 minutes while the Wildcats went on a seven-point run earning another lead change, 24-20. Gina Brierley put the Lions back on track, sinking a three; Saint Leo now trailing by one, 23-24 at 6:04. Johnson & Wales three-point shooting stayed hot. At 5:20, Johnson & Wales had a six-point advantage over Saint Leo, 29-23. Gallagher led Saint Leo in a late quarter offensive explosion for the halftime lead. Gallagher showcased a six-point performance from 2:16 – 1:07, cutting the visitors lead to two, 40-38. Delaney Bernard went 2-2 on the line (40-40) and sunk a deep three. | Saint Leo 43-40 |
3Q | The fight for a steady lead continued. The Wildcats quick start put the Lions in a seven-point hole, 52-48 at 4:56. Izabell Skoogh's three from Ragen Dotson helped the Lions close the gap. In the next possession, Skoogh took the charge and set up Savannah Scott on the other side of the court for a layup. | Johnson & Wales 56-52 |
4Q | Gallagher's big day was anything but over. Gallagher tallied two layups to bookend another Bernard three-pointer. The three scoring possessions put the Lions back on top of the Wildcats, 59-56 at 8:04. On the line, Saint Leo posted four more points from Gallagher and Nikira Hooks, 65-60 at 4:52. Another three-pointer by Johnson & Wales tipped the scoreboard in the visitor's favor, 67-66. Gallagher earned a defensive rebound and finished the possession with a layup, tallying the final lead change of the game, 67-66 at 3:25. Saint Leo's defense stopped the Wildcats from scoring for 2 minutes. The Lions held onto the win thanks to Dotson's four points on the charity stripe. | Saint Leo 72-70 |
 
Points to Note

• Alani Gallagher went 10-of-16 from the field, 6-of-7 on the free-throw line. She paired her career-high 26-points with an assist, seven rebounds, a block and a steal
• Ragen Dotson totaled 13 points going 3-of-8 from the field, 6-of-6 in free throws
• Delaney Bernard added 10 points to the mix with two deep three-pointers
• As a team, Saint Leo made 23-of-29 (.896) from the free throw line

For Johnson & Wales

• Johnson & Wales only saw the charity stripe six times, converting five of those attempts
• The Wildcats outrebounded the Lions, 41-26
• Tianna Ayulo earned a double-double with 17 points (8-17) and 12 rebounds
• Diamond Williams added 14 points (4-7) to the effort
• The Wildcats posted nine three-pointers in the Bowman Center

The Lions will be featured in the upcoming Lynn University Holiday Classic. On Sunday, December 17, Saint Leo will face Shaw at noon. After a quick turnaround, the Lions tip off against Coastal Georgia on Monday, December 18, at noon.

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.