West Palm Beach, Fla. – The Saint Leo women's basketball team achieved victory over the Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish 62-58 after a battle in overtime
With the win, the Lions are now 11-10 overall and 4-10 in Sunshine State Conference play.
 
"I'm so proud of this group, and they are really respecting the journey and the process that goes into their outcomes," said Head Coach Anthony Crocitto.
 
The first quarter was low scoring between the Lions and Sailfish ending with a score of 9-4 favoring Palm Beach Atlantic. Freshman Taydra Simpson contributed with another good earlier quarter off the boards with three rebounds.
 
The first half coming to end saw the Sailfish with a 26-16 lead heading into the 3rd quarter. Junior Adaramoye led the first half scoring for the Lions with six points on a perfect 3-3 shooting performance with three rebounds as well.
 
Simpson followed up in the 3rd quarter with a great all round seven-point performance that helped Saint Leo get back with in hunting distance of the Sailfish. She went 2-2 from the field including a shot behind the arc and a pair of free throws.
 
Adaramoye hit a pair of clutch free throws late in the fourth quarter to tie the game 48-48 as Saint Leo officially clawed their way back into the game. At the end of the fourth quarter, The Lions had a possession to try and to take the lead, but it was unsuccessful just as the Sailfish's attempt was. Overtime came via the score of 52-52 at the end of the fourth.
 
Simpson had an effective five points in the fourth to help the Lions get to overtime.
 
Fifth year Alex Button stepped up when it mattered while going a perfect 3-3 from the Lion in the second half and five points with two rebounds, and two assists. A pair of her free throws came with 11.9 seconds left in OT which made the game two possessions away from the Sailfish.
 
Taydra Simpson scored 12 of her 13 points in the second half and led the team to victory.

Fifth year Tamara Shash provided a great spark on offense as well finishing with 12 points including two three-point shots.

"Tamara Shash returned from a serious injury and played one of her finest games in Green and Gold," said Crocitto.
 
Despite the absence of Senior Amanda Ulrich, the Lions secured the win 62-58 over the Sailfish.
 
"To win tonight without our leading scorer and lately our leading rebounder, speaks volumes for this crew," said Crocitto. "Missing Amanda Ulrich was massive but the ladies shined and shined bright."
 
"We are excited for our bye week and will be prepping for our return to the Bowman. It's nice to win on the road in the SSC," said Crocitto.
 
Saint Leo will next be in action on February 4th versus SSC opponent Embry-Riddle University  with a 3:30pm scheduled tip-off.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo Women's Basketball, 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.