SAINT LEO, Fla. - Saint Leo University women's basketball team earned its sixth straight win on Monday night at the Marion Bowman Activities Center with an 80-38 victory against Fort Lauderdale. Saint Leo improved to 7-2 on the season as Alayna Harris (12), Jumoke Adaramoye (12), and Taydra Simpson (10) all scored in double-digits. 

A Taydra Simpson three just three and a half minutes into the game gave the Lion's their largest lead of the opening quarter, 15-0. Fort Lauderdale held its ground and pulled within eight. Lauren McCrea nailed a jumper in the final minute to give the home team a 19-9 lead after the first quarter.

The Lions defense held the Eagles to just four points in the second quarter. Fort Lauderdale turned over the ball nine times in the second quarter as Saint Leo was able to turn those turnovers into eight points. Andjiela Pavicevic solidified her mark under the net during the second quarter tallying six board, four points, two assists and a block. Saint Leo took a commanding 41-13 lead at the break.

Saint Leo continued to battle after the break, forcing a pair of turnovers for three points. The Lions built a sizeable lead with a 22-6 third quarter. Highlighting the quarter was the final play as Lauren McCrea nailed a three off a turnover as time expired giving the home team a 63-19 lead, its largest of the night to that point.

The final quarter was the only quarter the Lions were outscored. UFL outscored Saint Leo 19-17 but the damage was already done as the Green and Gold secured a 42-point victory. The final period did not match the previous three periods as the Eagles had 10 points off turnovers to none by SLU.


 
Coach Anthony Crocitto's thoughts on tonight's win: 
"Solid across the board today as we got a lot of Lions In the stat columns. Our starters led for the first five minutes and we found our rhythm slowly throughout. It was nice to score 80 on a day where we didn't shoot the ball particularly well." 

"Our Captains lead us on and off the court and today they both did just that (Alyana and Jenni)."

"Solid game for Jumoke Adaramoye with 12 and 6. She set the tone early around the basket and with her rotations on defense."

"We hope to fill the stands this Friday against mercy at 5 p.m. and we are very thankful for everyone who continuously comes out to empower these women."

The Lions continue their homestand on Friday when they host the 2023 Saint Leo Holiday Classic. Saint Leo will play host to Mercy, D'Youville, and Columbus State. Two games will be played on both December 15 and 16 with Saint Leo playing Mercy and Columbus State taking on D'Youville on Friday. Saint Leo and Columbus State will swap opponents on Saturday.

Click here for the full schedule and how to following along with the action. 

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.