LAKELAND, Fla.  – The Saint Leo Lions dropped a 83-63 decision to the Florida Southern Moccasins in the George W. Jenkins Field House Wednesday night in the Green and Gold's second Sunshine State Conference matchup of the early season. Despite three Lions scoring double-digits, the Mocs third quarter strike proved too much to overcome in the last ten minutes of action.

"We were severely outplayed tonight in the second half," commented head coach Anthony Crocitto. "They were much more physical and much more aggressive across the board. We can't win getting out-rebounded that badly while committing six seven unforced turnovers. We also miss timely free throws and it all snowballs on the road. That's a lot to manage."
 
Saint Leo (4-4, 1-1 SSC) grabbed an early 4-0 lead to open the midweek tango with the Mocs. Amanda Ulrich put up nine points in the first quarter.
 
Olivia Lough dominated the board in the second quarter with 11 points in ten minutes. Before the break, the Mocs' sunk a three-pointer for a halftime score of 40-35.
 
Florida Southern (5-4, 3-0 SSC) came out of the third quarter media timeout hitting a corner pocket three followed by a fast break layup to bring the game to 57-42 at 2:04. The Mocs converted two more on the line to extend their lead to 17 points. The hosts bragged a 63-48 score after three quarters.
 
The Lions edged the Mocs 9-4 to open action in the fourth quarter. The Green and Gold managed to cut the score to 67-55 at the six-minute media timeout. Despite an energy packed hustle, the Lions fell 86-68.

Florida Southern flexed 27 points off Saint Leo turnovers and 15 points off second chance opportunities while shooting a team .400-percent from the floor, .423-percent beyond the arc, and .800-percent on the line.
 
The Lions shot a team .449-percent from the hardwood, while sinking .333-percent from downtown, and .667-percent on the charity stripe.  

Crocitto continued, "Alani Gallagher has to find a way to stay on the floor. We need to clean up her fouls as we are a better team with her on the floor."

"It was a great night for Olivia Lough. She is a sophomore who is getting better daily."

Lough earned a team-high 18 points, four rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Ulrich wrapped up the night with 15 points, six rebounds, and four  assists. Alani Gallagher rounded off the third double-digit scoring performance for the Green and Gold. The junior forward notched 11 points, five rebounds and a pair of assists.

Crocitto concluded, "We have a lot of strong parts and will continue to get better daily. We look forward to Nova this Saturday back at home."
 
Beyond The Box

• Olivia Lough recorded her third straight double-digit scoring performance.
• Alex Button was held to eight points after three consecutive double-digit point performances.

 
Up Next
Saint Leo is back in the Marion Bowman Activities Center on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. The Lions have their eyes set on their third conference matchup of the season hosting the Nova Southeastern Sharks.
 
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