SAINT LEO, Fla. — Saint Leo women's basketball battled Florida Tech wire to wire Saturday afternoon at the Marion Bowman Center, dropping a 77–74 SSC contest after a spirited second comeback fell short.
First Quarter:
Saint Leo came out with energy, forcing early turnovers and converting them into quick offense. Sophomore Jocelyn Gagnon knocked down a pair of three-pointers, while junior Olivia Agunzo added a triple in transition as the Lions stayed within striking distance. Florida Tech used inside scoring late to take a narrow 21–19 lead after one.
Second Quarter:
The Panthers found rhythm in the paint and on second-chance opportunities, extending the margin despite Saint Leo continuing to generate quality looks. Freshman Jailenn Green attacked the lane for tough finishes, and freshman Zoe O'Leary added points off hustle plays, but Florida Tech carried a 45–33 lead into halftime.
Third Quarter:
Saint Leo flipped the momentum coming out of the break, delivering the Lions best stretch of the game. The Lions clamped down defensively and outscored Florida Tech 20–10, highlighted by back to back three-pointers from Green and a fast break layup by O'Leary off a steal. The lions full court pressure at the helped fuel the run as Saint Leo trimmed the deficit to 55–53 heading into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter:
The Lions stayed composed in a one-possession game throughout the final period. Gagnon buried a late three to keep Saint Leo within reach, and Agunzo finished through contact in the closing minutes. Saint Leo had chances in the final possessions, but Florida Tech held on down the stretch as the Lions finished strong, outscoring the Panthers 21–22 in the quarter and winning the second half by nine. The lions rallied back from down 16 but ultimately fell by a score of 77-74.
Saint Leo Stat Leaders
The women's basketball team is back in action next Wednesday, Feb. 4 at Lynn University.
