SAINT LEO, Fla. –  The Saint Leo women's basketball team is going to the Sunshine State Conference postseason under the direction of second year head coach Anthony Crocitto. The Lions sealed the extension of their season defeating Rollins 67-55 on Saturday.

The night started with the celebration of Saint Leo's three seniors: Ragen Dotson, Nikira Hooks and Mary Redmond. It ended in similar celebration fashion earning a ticket to the Sunshine State Conference postseason.

Nikira Hooks recorded a double double with 20 points, 12 rebounds along with three assists, a block and a steal. Gina Brierley scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds while committing no turnovers. Madelin Lang racked up six assists while adding nine points.

"What an exhilarating win on a night where we experienced a lot of emotions," said Crocitto. "It is a testimony to these ladies in that they work as hard as any team I have coached in my career. They earned the right to play again and they have had a February to remember."

"Nikira Hooks was incredible on both ends. She is a leader and warrior for us. Day Jackson helped us in so many ways and inspired this team in ways that only we know. It was nice to see Maddie Lang contribute in so many ways too."

Crocitto continued, "Tonight we handled the lows and made the absolute most out of the highs. These ladies imposed their will defensively and took their games to a new level, both individually and as a whole. I am proud of this group and blessed to have coaches these three seniors."

"We will be ready for our opponent Wednesday and are so excited for the SSC tournament," concluded Crocitto.

 
The Basics
Final Score: Saint Leo 67, Rollins 55
Location: Saint Leo, Fla. | Marion Bowman Activities Center  
Records: SLU (13-15, 8-12 SSC)| RC (12-14, 7-13 SSC)
 
How It Happened...
1Q | Saint Leo opened with a 5-0 run. The Tars posted a quick answer with back-to-back layups and a jumper from the key to earn a one-point edge over the Lions, 6-5. Two minutes of silence struck the scoreboard for both teams. Saint Leo broke the ice with from Gina Brierley's three and layup. Rollins' offensive continued to struggle, going 6:25 minutes without a bucket. | Saint Leo 14-9 |
2Q | Mary Redmond scored her first of three three-pointers of the night for 19-13 lead. Day Jackson's jumper from the corner along with Nikira Hooks' spin around basket combined with Redmond's second three-pointer handed the Lions a 26-16 advantage at the media timeout. Great ball movement set up Delaney Bernard to sink a three. The Tars was forced to own another cold shooting skid, this time lasting 6:08 minutes without a field goal, adding one point on the charity stripe. Izabell Skoogh scored a 20 footer from the left pocket, 34-19. Brierley snagged a buzzer beater jumper. | Saint Leo 36-22 |
3Q | Brierley's driving bucket and one earned a ten-point cushion, 43-35. Hooks strong right turn earned two-points plus one on the free throw line. Lang's point guard jumper lifted Saint Leo by 15 heading into the last 10-minutes. | Saint Leo 50-35 | 
4Q | Day Jackson inside the paint opened fourth quarter scoring. Alani Gallagher drew the foul off her offensive rebound tallied a point. Nikira Hooks was fouled on the fastbreak and did her work on the stripe. Montia Moon grabbed an offensive rebound which allowed the Lions to reset and let Hooks earn a right side layup, 57-39 at 6:49. Gallagher's slick bounce pass connected with Hooks who finished the play, 62-46 with 3:51 remaining in the game. Gallagher kept the ball in the Lions' next possession for a good jumper. | Saint Leo 67-55 |
 
Points to Note

• Tonight's win secured a postseason appearance for the Saint Leo Lions.
• Lions slighted the Tars off the window with 37 rebounds to the visitor's 36.
• Nikira Hooks showcased a double double with 20 points, 12 rebounds.
• Gina Brierley scored 12 points, grabbed six rebounds without committing a turnover.

For Rollins

• Julia Ingler and Vernisha Andrews both scored 16 points and both grabbed seven rebounds.
• Carly McLendon finished with nine points, nine rebounds.

Up Next
Following the close of the regular season, the Sunshine State Conference will release final postseason rankings and schedules.

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.