LAKELAND, Fla. – The Saint Leo women's basketball team snapped an eight-year drought against Sunshine State Conference foe, Florida Southern Wednesday night inside the George W. Jenkins Field House. Saint Leo topped Florida Southern 70-66, recording the first victory over the Moccasins in the era of head coach Anthony Crocitto. The Green and Gold last defeated the Red and White on Feb 19, 2014, the season the Lions swept the Mocs in a 2-0 series. Crocitto's first win against Florida Southern also records Florida Southern's head coach Betsy Harris' first loss to Saint Leo. The midweek conference action lifted the Lions' season record to 11-5 overall, 6-2 in the SSC while the Mocs' season mark lowered to 7-7, 5-3 SSC.

"We use the word resilient a whole lot," said head coach Anthony Crocitto. "Today, we truly showed the meaning of the word. The Sunshine State Conference is loaded with so much talent. Every win is precious and every road win is exhilarating. I'm proud of our staff and support staff as these guys are always prepared and ready to go."

"This was an amazing game, once again, for my backcourt in Kiki McIntyre and Amanda Ulrich. They are playing so well together and score on so many different levels."
 
Saint Leo won the battle off the boards with 36 rebounds to 23 by Florida Southern. Alex Button earned a game-high nine rebounds followed closely by Ayanna Trigg with eight. The pivoting moment for the Lions came at the end of the second quarter when Kiki McIntyre became unstoppable inside the paint. Saint Leo held a one-possession advantage with five minutes remaining in the first half; 30-27. McIntyre drove to the basket and scored the layup and converted the and-one opportunity to make it a six-point game; 33-27. McIntyre then found Ayanna Trigg with a sharp pass between a pair of Mocs for Trigg to score under the basket. McIntyre rounded off the 7-0 run with a fastbreak jumper in the paint; 37-27, registering the first double-digit lead of the night.
 
Amanda Ulrich opened the third quarter in her own unique fashion. The junior guard hit a shot from downtown to record the largest lead of the night at 13; 45-32. The third quarter proved to be a packed quarter of runs leaving the Lions up by six with 10 more minutes to go at 56-50.

"I was proud to see us build up a little lead and then handle multiple runs from Florida Southern."
 
Saint Leo fought off all of Florida Southern efforts to flip the script. The hosts got as close as three points with 12 seconds remaining on the clock at 69-66. Tamara Shash was fouled and sunk the clutch free throw to record the final four-point decision at 70-66.
 
McIntyre earned a game-high 19 points going 8-for-13 from the floor and a perfect 3-for-3 from the charity stripe. She was supported by Ulrich with 17 points going 5-for-12 on the night and a dangerous 4-for-8 from beyond the circle. Urlich also went 3-for-4 from the line. Shash recorded her career's first double-digit performance with 13 points. The senior forward went 5-for-6 from the hardwood and went 2-for-3 from the three-point range, and scored the critical final point on the line for the Lions.

"What else can you say about Tamara Shash. She got it done on both ends tonight. She did an amazing job; I am so proud of her. Meanwhile, Alex Button played lockdown defense while owning the glass for us."

"We are looking forward to coming home Saturday as we play Rollins," concluded Crocitto. 
 
Saint Leo will return to the Marion Bowman Activities Center on Saturday, Jan 15 at 4:00 p.m. to host the Tars of Rollins College.
 
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.