MELBOURNE, Fla, — Saint Leo University women's basketball secured their first road and conference win of the year in overtime the Florida Tech Panthers. The Lions were lead by freshman Jaileen Green with a dominant 30 point performance, and a huge three point field goal by sophomore Jocelyn Gagnon to tie the game with 14 seconds left in regulation.
First Quarter
Saint Leo opened the game with strong ball movement and confident shooting from the perimeter. Green began her standout night early, scoring in a variety of ways while keeping the Lions' offense steady. The Lions created defensive pressure that forced multiple turnovers, allowing them to establish momentum. Consistent rebounding from the front-court helped Saint Leo control the pace and limit second chance opportunities. The opening frame set the tone for the Lions' aggressive, composed approach. Florida Tech led Saint Leo 18-17 after the first quarter.
Second Quarter
Green continued to fuel the offense, attacking in transition and connecting from midrange to keep the Lions in front. Saint Leo's bench provided an important lift, helping maintain the offensive rhythm when the starters rested. Junior Marie Bangoura had a pair of baskets midway through the quarter, enroute to her season high of 6 points in the game. Late defensive stops late in the quarter prevented the Panthers from closing the gap heading into halftime. The duo of Gagnon and Green each recorded steals and the The Lions entered halftime leading 30-29.
Third Quarter
Coming out of halftime, the Lions stayed efficient offensively, led again by Green and Gagnon, who went 4-6 from three as a duo. Saint Leo also benefited from steady guard play, which limited turnovers and created consistent scoring opportunities. The defense tightened late in the quarter, contesting perimeter shots and cleaning up rebounds. The Lions began to mount a lead as they went up 52-44 after three.
Fourth Quarter/OT
The final quarter showcased Saint Leo's late-game composure and clutch shot making. With Florida Tech mounting a comeback, Saint Leo matched every clutch basket with a clutch basket of their own. After the Panthers went up 66-63 with 28 seconds left, Jocelyn Gagnon buried a massive three pointer with 14 seconds left off an assist from graduate student Paula Llovich, knotting the game at 66 a piece and forcing the Lions first overtime game of the season. Green sealed her big night in the closing minutes with two clutch free throws giving the Lions a 73-70 victory.
Green becoming the program's first 30 point scorer since Amanda Ulrich against Bentley on Nov. 27, 2022, and first freshman to have 30 since Ulrich on Feb. 29, 2020 against Barry. This contest also brought Saint Leo's all time record against Florida Tech to 20-19, giving Leo the all time advantage for the second time since 2018.
Saint Leo Stat Leaders
Saint Leo women's basketball is back in action against Trinity College (Fla.) on Saturday, December 13th at home.
