SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo women's basketball team earned a 68-61 Senior Day victory versus Embry-Riddle in Sunshine State Conference (SSC) action on Saturday evening in the Marion Bowman Activities Center.

Through the halfway point of the opening quarter, the teams were tied 10-10 until senior Jenni Whitlow laced a three-pointer that ignited the Lions to score 13 unanswered points to close out the first to give them a 23-10 margin headed to the second frame. The Green and Gold maintained their double-figure advantage through the quarter as it led 36-14 at halftime.

Saint Leo continued to roll in the third quarter as it established a 24-point cushion following a pair of free throws from senior Alayna Harris, 52-28. However, the Eagles fought back with a 13-2 run during the fourth to trim their deficit to 49-58 before a long range connection from freshman Olivia Agunzo gave the Lions back a double-digit edge. Embry-Riddle executed a 12-4 run to bring itself within four points with 23 seconds left on the clock, however, a free throw from Whitlow and a pair from sophomore Alanis Diaz iced the game to secure the victory, 68-61.

Diaz posted a team- and game-high 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field and went a perfect 4-for-4 at the charity stripe in addition to grabbing a trio of rebounds. Junior Chynna Mattair registered 13 points, four boards, and three steals. Whitlow finished with eight points, five boards with a pair of steals while Agunzo tallied eight points in addition to two rebounds and dished out two assists.

Head Coach Anthony Cricitto: "We came out loose and strong early led by seniors Alayna Harris and Jenni Whitlow. For three quarters, our defense was on another level with some high level rotations and big stops leading to easy baskets. Alanis Diaz was exceptional on both ends tonight while Kamaria Sheriff was very tough vs Embry Riddle off the bench". 

"We met our goals in 40% + from three, 80% + from the charity strike and allowed less than 62 points. We put ourselves in a place to contend for a SSC spot and must take it game bye game, day by day. 
We need your support this Wednesday at The Bowman at 5pm. Thank you to all alumni who came out today".



The Green and Gold shot 50.0 percent (24-of-48) from the floor while connecting on 41.7 percent (5-of-12) on three-point attempts. From the free throw line, the Lions recorded an impressive 83.3 percent (15-for-18). The Eagles held a 37-30 edge on the glass.

Saint Leo returns to the hardwood on Wednesday, February 21 as it hosts Palm Beach Atlantic in a conference bout, starting at 5 p.m.

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.