FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Saint Leo Lions came up short in a tough women's basketball battle at Nova Southeastern Wednesday, 76-70. The six-point decision inside the Rick Case Arena moved the Green and Gold's overall record to 12-6, 7-3 in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC), recording the Lions' first loss since Jan 5 in an overtime heartbreaker against Tampa. Nova Southeastern's upset raised the Sharks' season mark to 10-7, 5-5 in the SSC.
 
"That was certainly not the result we wanted on this road trip," said head coach Anthony Crocitto. "Hats off to Nova who played very good basketball. I am proud of our effort and our fight, the results just didn't go our way. People still have to understand we are a young growing athletic team who is just going to get better."
 
Saint Leo and Nova Southeastern went head-to-head all game. The Lions claimed a tight one-point lead at the half, 35-34. Tied at 43 in the third, the Sharks broke out an eight-point run to bring the game to 51-43 with 1:42 left in the quarter. The Lions answered with their own run of seven points to bring the game back within a bucket. Nova snuck in a layup to grab a three-point advantage heading into the fourth, 53-50.
 
The game of runs continued in the last 10 minutes of action. The teams found themselves within two points again, with the Sharks ahead 66-64 at the three-minute mark. The hosts defended their home court to clinch the close decision.
 
Crocitto continued, "You can't say enough about Ayanna Trigg who pushes three categories in a game. While Alex Button tried to carry us on her back throughout the game. We welcomed Tori Lesko back and once she gets more reps she will get stronger, better, and faster."
 
Four Lions scored double-digits paced by Amanda Ulrich with 17 points followed by Ayanna Trigg with 16, Alex Button with 15, and Kiki McIntyre with 14. McIntyre led the Lions off the board with eight rebounds helped by Button with seven rebounds.
 
"I am proud of this team and hope to see the Bowman filled on Saturday to welcome Florida Tech in another conference battle. This conference is special. It's a tough conference and we have to get back in the win column in the SSC," concluded Crocitto.
 
Saint Leo returns to action on Saturday, Jan 22 inside the Marion Bowman Activities Center to host the Florida Tech Panthers at 4:00 p.m.
 
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.