WINTER PARK, Fla. – The Saint Leo Lions women's basketball team made the trip east to take on the Rollins Tars in its final game of the 2023 calendar year. The Lions fell victim to a late Tars run that eventually went the home team's way with a 62-55 overtime final. The Lions fall to 8-4 overall and 2-2 in SSC play, while the Tars improve to 7-3 overall and remain a perfect 4-0 in conference play.
 
The Lions were led on offense by Taydra Simpson (8 points, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks, 5 steals), Alanis Diaz (8 points, 5 rebounds), and Andjela Pavicevic (8 points, 8 rebounds).

The first quarter saw a close contest, the Lions kept the first quarter close erasing a four-point deficit to take their first lead of the game on a second-chance layup by Alanis Diaz and after the Tars responded with their own second-chance opportunity. Taydra Simpson nailed a three-pointer to take a 12-10 lead with two and a half minutes remaining. A pair of three-point shots by the home team gave them a 16-12 lead after the first ten minutes.

The Lions regrouped and put together a 20-point second period thanks to seven different scorers as Chynna Mattair and Olivia Agunzo combined for nine points. Saint Leo took a 32-25 lead into the break.
 
The third quarter showcased the resilience of both squads, as the Lions and Tars traded baskets, but it was the visitors that maintained the seven-point advantage. However, Rollins mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, overcoming a late deficit to force overtime. Simpson blocked a late shot by the Tars and fed a driving Agunzo who threw up a last-second half-court shot that nearly ended the game in regulation.
 
Saint Leo jumped out to a 55-51 lead to open the final five minutes, but Rollins responded with 11 points over the final three minutes of overtime to secure the win.
 
Women's basketball returns to the Marion Bowman Activities Center to open the new year with a pair of SSC contests against Barry (Jan. 6) and Florida Southern (Jan. 10) for Lake Jovita Night.
 
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.