SAINT LEO, Fla. – Saint Leo women's basketball pulled within one game of .500 for the year after a dominating 63-48 victory at home over Rollins Saturday night inside the Marion Bowman Activities Center.

"We played defense today against an athletic and hungry Rollins team," head coach Anthony Crocitto mentioned after the win. "I was proud of our rotations as Alani Gallagher took three charges and Gina Brierley played lockdown defense."
 
Saint Leo (11-12, 7-8 SSC) saw four players score in double-figures led by Amanda Ulrich with 18 points on 5-of-12 shooting from the field with a 7-of-8 mark from the free-throw line.
 
Alex Button (12), Gina Brierley (11) and Casey O'Shaughnessy (10) joined Ulrich in the double-digit points column. Alani Gallagher finished the night with seven points and seven rebounds.
 
Saint Leo scored 20 points off turnovers and used 28 points in the paint to edge Rollins who scored just 18 points in the paint and six points off turnovers. As a team, the Lions committed just 13 turnovers to the Tars' 24 while the Green and Gold shot 39.6-percent from the field for the contest.

Crocitto continued "We played our best fourth quarter of the year after an emotionally draining loss at Tampa. I am proud of these ladies as they always seem to bounce back."
 
"Casey O'Shaughnessy played well on both the ends and hit some key shots for us. I loved our intensity and if we continue to play defense, we can make some noise each night. We want to thank an amazing crowd and hope to see you all back to pack The Bowman," Crocitto concluded.
 
Both Rollins and Saint Leo would hold a quick lead throughout the first quarter before the Lions broke out a seven-point gap with a 7-0 run capped by Button's jumper. After leading by just two going into the second, Saint Leo played from in front and never allowed a tie before a four-point lead 30-26 at the half.
 
A 13-12 third quarter sent the game to the fourth quarter with just a three-point spread, in favor of Saint Leo 42-39. The Lions had their way with the Tars outscoring the visitors 21-9 in the final period to go on for the 63-48 blowout win.
 
Up Next
Saint Leo will hit the road for a two-game road trip after a bye week with games at Palm Beach Atlantic on Feb. 15 and at Embry-Riddle on Feb. 19. The tip for the Lions and Sailfish is set for 2 p.m. in West Palm Beach.
 
For more information on the Saint Leo women's basketball program, 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.