SAINT LEO Fla. – Despite four Lions scoring in double digits, the Saint Leo women's basketball team lost at home against the Rollins Tars by a 75-61 margin in a Sunshine State Conference (SSC) contest on Wednesday evening.

The Lions offense scored four points in the opening five minutes of the game. The Lions' defense did their best to limit the Rollins' scoring opportunities, but the Tars jumped out to a seven-point lead as the quarter crossed the halfway mark.

The Lions cut into the lead, thanks to a pair of layups and a three-pointer from Freshman Vanessa McManus. Redshirt Junior Chynna Mattair added a three-pointer as the Rollins' lead shrunk to two. Both sides traded field goals, and Rollins took a four-point lead into the second frame.

Both teams traded scores as the second quarter began, as Rollins lead got as low as two. Junior Alanis Diaz hit two crucial three-pointers, as the game went into the half tied, 39-39.

Saint Leo and Rollins started the second half strong defensively, with neither team scoring in the opening two minutes. However, Rollins began to take advantage as it grasped a seven-point lead. The Lions' offense woke up late in the frame but faced a five-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter.

The Lions had a scoring drought of nearly four minutes early in the fourth quarter, with Rollins taking an 11-point lead in the process. Rollins grew their lead to 16 in the closing minutes and secured the road victory.

Diaz led the Lions with 18 points while McManus finished with 13 points, four rebounds and one assist. Mattair tallied 13 points with five boards and a pair of assists. Junior Taydra Simpson posted 11 points, two rebounds, and one steal.

Saint Leo returns to the court on Saturday, February 15 as it hosts #23 Nova Southeastern in an SSC bout, starting at 2 p.m.