SAINT LEO, Fla. –  Saint Leo women's basketball team earned its fourth straight win at Lynn on Saturday.

The Lions were led by senior Nikira Hooks with 17 points, seven rebounds. Hooks was joined in double figure scoring by freshman Alani Gallagher with 11 points, nine rebounds.

"Our defense was the key," said head coach Anthony Crocitto. "It led to some transition buckets in the middle of the floor and inspired our beach."

Crocitto continued, "We continue to respond to runs by the opponent. Though we labored through the third quarter, we fought hard to stay together and we persevered. I am inspired daily by this staff and program. We are working hard and listening to every detail. It's a good month to be rolling and fun to be a Lion."

The Basics
Final Score: Saint Leo Lions 58, Lynn Fighting Knights 45
Location: Boca Raton, Fla. | de Hoernle Sports & Cultural Center  
Records: SLU (12-14, 7-11 SSC)| LU (11-15, 7-12 SSC)
 
How It Happened...
1Q | Neither team scored in the first three minutes of play. Lynn opened scoring on the charity stripe but would struggle offensively for the remainder of the quarter, making only one basket. Saint Leo capitalized on Lynn's slow start posting a 10-point run. At 2:50, Nikira Hooks sank a three lifting the Lions 9-2 over the Fighting Knights. | Saint Leo 10-4 |
2Q | Saint Leo earned a 10-point lead (16-6) at 8:23 off Day Jackson's jumper and Gina Brierley's layup. Lynn's offensive troubles did not last into the second quarter as Saint Leo had to answer the Fighting Knights around the circle. Madelin Lang found Hooks at the top of arch at 2:53, 23-16. Lynn's Barbora Zilkova hit a three-pointer. Brierley answered for Saint Leo with a three-pointer of her own. Brierley then found Hooks left alone at the top of the arch, sinking her third straight three-pointer. | Saint Leo 29-21 |
3Q | Saint Leo was unable to score in the first six minutes of the second half. Lynn tallied five, cutting the Lions lead to three, 29-26. Day Jackson tallied Saint Leo's first basket of the third quarter at 3:59. Jackson's sharp pass found Hooks open under the basket, extending Saint Leo's lead to seven, 33-26 at 1:52. Delaney Bernard scored two triples in the last 35-seconds of the quarter. | Saint Leo 39-26 |
4Q | Alani Gallagher's layup and one from the foul line handed the Lions a 15-point advantage, 44-29. Mary Redmond, assisted by Lang, took a turn striking from the circle, 49-32. Saint Leo ran down the clock while Lynn scored five more points. The Lions finished the game on the free throw line. | Saint Leo 58-45 |
 
Points to Note

• Nikira Hooks scored 17 points going 5-7 on the floor, 3-4 in three-pointers, 4-5 on the free throw line. She also grabbed seven rebounds and three steals.
• Alani Gallagher scored 11 points and was Saint Leo's rebounding leader with nine.
• Saint Leo committed 20 turnovers in the victory.

 
For Lynn

•  Juju Uloma and Paola Vazquez each scored 11 points for the Fighting Knights. Uloma grabbed eight rebounds, Vazquez added six.
• Mariah Penascino led the Fighting Knights rebounding with nine.
• Lynn committed 18 turnovers in the loss.

 
Up Next
On Wednesday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m. the Lions tipoff at Eckerd College. Saint Leo will close the regular season at home on Saturday, February 24 at 5:30 p.m. against Rollins.

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.