WINTER PARK, Fla. – Saint Leo women's basketball showcased a strong start right from the outset in its matchup with nationally-ranked Rollins College on Saturday afternoon at the Alfond Sports Center, eventually prevailing over the Tars, 44-34. 

The Lions led for 8:45 minutes of the first half which included four led changes, three ties. Down by seven at the half (25-18), the Lions regained the lead with 1:46 left in the third quarter (31-30) and held on tight to lift its overall record to 4-6, 2-3 in the SSC.

"We had two 90-minutes practices with finals going on," expressed head coach Anthony Crocitto. "This has to be one of the biggest upsets in the program's history."

"Montia Moon played great minutes for us," continued Crocitto. "Montia has been winning at every level. We have been recruiting winners and those that have been winning championships. She told me the other day, that she doesn't care how much she plays, she just wants to win. I've known her a long time and I'm proud of her."

The Basics
Final Score: Saint Leo University Lions 44, Rollins College Tars 34
Location: Rollins College| Winter Park, Fla. | Warden Arena
Records: Saint Leo 3-6, 2-3 SSC | Rollins 7-2, 3-2 SSC

How It Happened...
1Q | At 6:45, Delaney Bernard forced a Rollins turnover inside Saint Leo's paint. Gina Brierley finished the play at the other end of the hardwood for an early 2-2 score. At 4:23, Brierley drove for another two, keeping the game neck and neck at seven points apiece. Ragen Dotson lifted Saint Leo 9-7 with a jumper on the right side. Alani Gallagher drew a foul and sunk one at the line. | Saint Leo 10-7 |
2Q | Rollins shooting improved from 17% to 25%, closing in on the Lions lead: 13-12 at 8:05. An offensive drought plagued both teams for 4:48 minutes. Denise Daniel snapped the Tars drought with a jumper and layup, changing the game's leader: 16-13. Dotson's three at the top of the circle equalized the contest but it was short lived as the Tars retook the lead at the charity stripe. Rollins Julia Ingler snuck in a buzzer beater three to hand Saint Leo a seven point deficient at the half. | Rollins 25-18 |
3Q | Tied for 6:08 minutes in the first half, Saint Leo entered the second half shooting 24.1% (7-29) from the field, 25% (3-12) in three-point shooting, 25% (1-4) from the line. Rollins finished the first two quarters shooting 25.7% (9-35) on the floor, 20% (3-15) from three-point range, 100% on the line (4-4). Madelin Lang worked for a big defensive rebound, in coast to coast fashion, Brierley finished the play in the corner pocket. Rollins still holding onto the lead at 25-24 (8:43). Alani Gallagher tied the game at 30-30 on the line at 2:40. She returned to the line at 1:46, retaking the lead for the Lions. Ragen Dotson added a good three to the mix followed by a pair of free throws from Montia Moon. | Saint Leo 36-32 |
4Q | Nikira Hooks jumper helped Saint Leo keep the lead at 38-34 (8:24). The scoreboard went six minutes untouched by either Green and Gold or White and Blue jerseys. Hooks on the line snapped the cold streak. Madelin Lang's perfect day on the line filled the 13 seconds of the last minute with four Saint Leo points. The Lions used their last timeout with 35.8 seconds remaining, leading 44-34. | Saint Leo 44-34 |
 
Points to Note

• Saint Leo shot a 23.5% going 12-51, 29.2% in three-point shooting (7-24), 59.1% in free throws (13-22)
• Ragen Dotson showcased 14 points, 7 rebounds
• Gina Brierley helped the offense with 9 points and collected 6 rebounds
• Alani Gallagher posted 7 rebounds supported by Montia Moon with 6 and Nikira Hooks with 4
• Lead time: 20:29

For Rollins

• Rollins shot a 20.3% going 13-64, 13% in three-point shooting (3-23), 71.4% in free throws (5-7)

• SSC Defensive Player of the Week, Carly McClendon, was held to 1 rebound in the first half. She finished the 40 minutes with 9 rebounds, 6 points
• No Tar was able to post double figure scoring. Jo Bistrow led Rollins' scoring with 7 followed by Carly McLendon (6) and Denise Daniels (6)
• Lead time: 11:54

Up next, the Lions return to non-conference play for their next three games. On Tuesday, Dec. 12, Saint Leo hosts Johnson & Wales in the Marion Bowman Activities Center at 7:00 p.m. The program will head to Lynn University's Holiday Classic to face Shaw and Coastal Georgia before take a short to celebrate the holidays.
 
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.