SAINT LEO, Fla. – On Saturday, December 2 the Saint Leo women's basketball program snapped a five-game skid in a 54-46 road win at Palm Beach Atlantic. The Sunshine State Conference victory hands Saint Leo its first SSC 'W', the Lions now 2-6, 1-3 SSC. The 8-point decision leaves the Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish still searching for its first win in the SSC, the Sailfish now 1-7 overall, 0-4 in the SSC.

"The bottom line is that we are committed to play defense and my two assistant coaches prepared these ladies to win today," says head coach Anthony Crocitto. "Our rookie posts, (Day Jackson and Alani Gallagher) really got it done today. Day hit a huge inbound basket off a play we just worked on in practice.

"Gina Brierley is a welcomed addition back as she facilitated seven assists and played exceptional defense in a face guard strategy.

"We will be ready to play at home this Tuesday against Ave Maria. We hope to see a fun and inspired crowd at the Bowman."


The Basics
Final Score: Saint Leo University Lions 54, Palm Beach Atlantic 46
Location: Palm Beach Atlantic University| West Palm Beach, Fla.
Records: Saint Leo 2-6, 1-3 SSC | Palm Beach Atlantic 1-7, 0-4 SSC

How It Happened...
1Q | Ragen Dotson's second three-pointer of the game came from out of the media timeout. The trio raised Saint Leo 9-7 at 4:34. She struck again from downtown, this time capitalizing on a Sailfish turnover. The senior captain went 3-4 on the floor, 3-3 in three-point attempts. | Saint Leo 16-13 |
2Q | Dotson's day continued for the Lions; 20-13. Nikira Hooks steal and bucket at 5:04 helped Saint Leo hold the lead: 22-15. Madelin Lang sealed a five-point advantage going into the locker room for the Green and Gold with a layup before the half. | Saint Leo 24-19 |
3Q | Saint Leo outscored PBA 12-5 in the third. Gina Brierley three-pointer lifted the Lions 27-19 at 9:07. Alani Gallagher helped offensive efforts with a layup: 30-21 (7:03). Day Jackson's free throw at 00:50 raised the Lions 13-points over the Sailfish: 36-23. | Saint Leo 36-24 |
4Q | Saint Leo posted its game-high lead at 15-points from a Gallagher layup at 6:45 left in the game: 44-29. A three-minute scoring drought for the Lions followed, the Sailfish capitalized, outscoring the Lions 11-3 forcing a Saint Leo timeout at 2:43: 47-40. With 1:51 remaining, Palm Beach Atlantic threated a late game lead change, cutting the Lions edge over the Sailfish to three points (47-44) after Hannah Grim converted a pair of free throws. Saint Leo's strong finish under the bucket on the charity stripe sealed the conference win. Gallagher's offensive rebound and layup, followed by a Jackson layup and a pair of free throws from Hooks and one from Lang wrapped up scoring between the two teams. | Saint Leo 54-46 |
 
Points to Note

• Ragen Dotson showcased 18 points going 6-12 FG, 4-7 3FG, 2-4 FT, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks and 1 steal
• Alani Gallagher scored 9 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and 1 block
• Nikira Hooks earned 8 points, 7 rebounds, 6 steals
• Day Jackson scored 8 points, earned 9 rebounds and 1 block

For Palm Beach Atlantic

• PBA scoring was led by Hannah Grim with 14 points, she also grabbed 4 rebounds
• Aniyah Ross put up 9 points, 6 rebounds
• Ciara Cumbie tallied 8 points, 9 rebounds

Saint Leo returns home to host non-conference Ave Maria on Tuesday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. The Lions return to SSC action at nationally ranked Rollins on Saturday, December 9 at 3:00 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.