SAINT LEO, Fla. – Saint Leo women's basketball dropped a 56-35 decision at Tampa on Wednesday. The Spartan's offensive fanned into flame in the second half, handing the Lions an 8-14 overall record, with a 3-11 mark in the Sunshine State Conference.

Alani Gallagher led the Lions with 11 points and eight rebounds. Nikira Hooks added eight points and eight rebounds to the mix, while Delaney Bernard scored eight of her own.

Head Coach Anthony Crocitto said," We played a solid 29:52. The three that Tampa hit was a momentum changer. We had chances to advance a lead and did not. Alani Gallagher came out on fire but Tampa adjusted after the half and contained her. I have to give credit to Tampa as they hit big and timely shots in the fourth and executed what they needed to for a win."

Crocitto continued, "We need to stay positive as we head into February. We made a nice and successful SSC postseason push last February and we need another one now."

"I believe in these Lions and will continue to grow them. We will be back at it tomorrow as we prepare for Florida Tech," concluded Crocitto.

 
The Basics
Final Score: Tampa 56, Saint Leo 35
Location: Tampa, Fla. | Bob Martinez Athletic Center
Records: UT 14-7, 7-7 SSC | SLU 8-14, 3-11 SSC
 
How It Happened...
1Q | Alani Gallagher's deep jumper equalized the game at 11-11 at the 3:26 media timeout. Saint Leo committed two turnovers, allowing the Spartans to hold a slim lead entering the second quarter. | Tampa 14-13 |
2Q | The scoreboard was untouched by either opponent in the first two minutes of the second quarter. Gallagher beat the shot clock inside the paint, 16-15 (Tampa) at 7:08. The back-and-forth battled continued. Nikira Hooks handed the game another lead change, her layup raised Saint Leo 17-16. Saint Leo committed eight turnovers in the first half to Tampa's three. Despite the unwelcomed stat, the game stayed close as the Spartans were only able to score two points off the turnovers. Delaney Bernard shuffled to make a three before the break. |Tied 20-20 |
3Q | The third quarter stayed within one possession until the last three minutes. Hooks offensive rebound allowed Madelin Lang to reset and crash the basket, 26-24 at 6:57. Spartan's Emily Eshoo scored a top of the key three, for another lead change, 29-27 (Tampa) at 5:08. Gina Brierley added a layup to the Lions offensive fight, 29-29 at the media timeout. Day Jackson's steal finished with a long jumper at the other end handed the Lions a 31-29 lead at 3:10. Saint Leo was unable to tally another basket for the remainder of the quarter, handing the lead over to the hosts. Emily Eshoo extended Tampa's lead to six with a last second three. | Tampa 37-31 |
4Q | Tampa opened the fourth quarter with a 6-0 run, forcing Saint Leo to trail 43-31 at the media timeout. Cold shooting continued plague the Lions until 4:33. Gallagher's layup allowed the Lions to mark the scoreboard, 47-33. Delaney Bernard added another two, 49-35. | Tampa 56-35 |
 
Points to Note

• Alani Gallagher continues to score beyond her season points average of (8.6). She led Saint Leo with 11 points, eight rebounds.
• Nikira Hooks scored eight and grabbed eight off the glass.
• Delaney Bernard posted eight points.
• Team shot .356 FG%, .182 3FG%, .333 FT%

For Tampa

• After 11 lead changes, Tampa's offensive outscored Saint Leo 19-4 in the fourth quarter.
• Emily Eshoo led the Spartans with 20 points going 8-13 FG, 4-6 3FG and seven rebounds.
• Other stat leaders include Rachel Warden (16 points), Staja Tyghter (11 points), Karma Jeremie (eight rebounds).
• Team shot .422 FG%, .400 3FG%, .857 FT%

 
The Lions stay on the road for back-to-back Sunshine State Conference away contests. Saint Leo will travel to Florida Tech on Saturday, February 3 for a 2:00 p.m. tipoff.
 
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