SAINT LEO, Fla. -   The Saint Leo women's basketball team had some fun clipping the Eagles of Embry-Riddle, 76-57, on the Lions' home court inside the Marion Bowman Activities Center Saturday. The Sunshine State Conference victory improved the Lions' overall record to 4-4, 2-1 in the SSC, meanwhile the Eagles' season mark moved to 3-4, 1-1 in the league.

"We are pumped up to win another Sunshine State Conference game, especially after being outplayed in the first half by Eckerd," stated head coach Anthony Crocitto. "I thought we came out of the gates really strong and our commitment to defense of rotations was extraordinary."

"What a night from Tori Lesko, who narrowly missed a triple double. Tori and Ayanna Trigg on the middle of the floor while Kiki McIntyre was a floor general."
 
Crocitto continued, "I'm also proud of Alex Button who is coming back from an injury and played without fear today."
 
Alex Button is back. The senior guard reminded everyone why she was named on the 2021 All-SSC Second Team, fueling the afternoon's offensive onslaught. Button earned a game-high 18 points going 7-for-14 from the field, 4-for-6 from beyond the circle. She also added four rebounds and an assist to her big day.
 
Button was joined by Ayanna Trigg and Tori Lesko in scoring double digits with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Lesko, the 2021 SSC Newcomer of the Year and First Team selection, earned her third double-double of the 2021-22 season with a career-high 10 assists and led the team off the iron with eight rebounds.  
 
Saint Leo jumped out to an early lead after the first, leading by 11 at 24-13. Embry-Riddle attempted to chip away at the gap by four in the second but it didn't last against the Lions' third quarter. The Green and Gold outscored the Eagles by double digits (22-11) in the third providing some insurance in the SSC home opener. After that, Saint Leo cruised to victory in the fourth. 
 
The Lions shot an impressive 49.2-percent from the floor, seeing 17 points from their bench, and 30 points off turnovers. In addition to Button's hot hands downtown, Saint Leo racked up 44 points in the paint and held the lead the whole way.
 
Saint Leo will look to carry its' momentum into next week as the Lions return to the Bowman Center on Wednesday, December 8 for a non-conference tilt hosting the Texas A&M International Dustdevils. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.

"We were very excited by the crowd tonight and hope to see everybody this Wednesday as we face a very strong opponent from Texas," concluded Crocitto.  
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's basketball program, 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.