BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Saint Leo women's basketball posted its fifth straight win on Sunday in a 81-54 victory over Shaw University, in first round action of the Lynn University Holiday Classic at the de Hoernle Sports & Cultural Center.

The five-game winning streak is the longest for Saint Leo women's basketball since the 2013-14 season.

Ragen Dotson led the Lions' attack with 19 points supported by Gina Brierley, Nikira Hooks, and Day Jackson each posting 12 points. Alani Gallagher helped the offense with nine points and led Saint Leo off the glass with 12 rebounds.

"I loved the team chemistry today," said head coach Anthony Crocitto. "We assisted the ball, limited our turnovers and shot efficiently. We also looked selfless and team oriented.
"I am blessed with such a committed and hardworking staff," expressed Crocitto. "We look forward to putting a solid product on the court tomorrow."

The victory raises Saint Leo's overall record to 6-6, with the Lions facing NAIA Coastal Georgia (9-3) in Monday's second round of the Lynn Holiday Classic.

The Basics
Final Score: Saint Leo 81, Shaw University 54
Location: Lynn University | Boca Raton, Fla. | de Hoernle Sports & Cultural Center
Records: Saint Leo 6-6 | Shaw 3-7

How It Happened...
1Q | Shaw's last lead of the game was on the charity stripe at 3:26, 13-12. A good jumper by Gina Brierley in the paint at 2:52 lifted Saint Leo 14-13 over Shaw. Ragen Dotson's three-pointer at 2:20 was the last bucket of the first. | Saint Leo 17-13 |
2Q | Saint Leo earned its first double figure lead at 9:08 off a Brierley three-pointer. Alani Gallagher pulled down a defensive rebound, setting up Dotson to drain another three, 28-15. Nikira Hooks and Monita Moon joined the hot handed three-point day, helping the Lions to a 14-point halftime advantage. | Saint Leo 41-27 |
3Q | Gallagher tallied back-to-back buckets with a layup and jumper, 45-29 at 9:04. After a Brierley three-pointer, Day Jackson added a good jumper in the paint, 49-34 at 6:14. Comfortable in the paint, she scored another pair at 4:24, 52-37. | Saint Leo 60-42 |
4Q | The Lions scoring stayed steady, outscoring Shaw 21-12 to finish the contest. Day Jackson finished the second half scoring 10 points. She continued to be a force inside the paint, scoring at 2:03 and 00:46. | Saint Leo 81-54 |
 
Points to Note

• Ragen Dotson went 5-11 FG, 5-8 3-FG, 4-11 FT on her way to 19 points
• Gina Brierley went 5-9 FG, 2-3 3-FG scoring 12 points
• Nikira Hooks went 3-7 FG, 3-4 3-FG, 3-4 FT scoring 12 points
• Day Jackson went 6-10 on the field
• As a team, Saint Leo shot .426 percent on the day, showcasing 12 three-pointers, including 39 points from the bench

For Shaw

• Lerven Johnson-Tyler led Shaw with a double-double scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds and added three blocks and a steal to her big day
• Aliyah Cooley contributed nine points, eight rebounds
• As a team, Shaw shot a .306 percent from the field

The Lions will compete the Lynn University Holiday Classic tomorrow, Monday, December 18 at noon against Coastal Georgia.

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.