By: William Burns
The Saint Leo University Lions squared off against the Lynn Fighting Knights in a Sunshine State Conference matchup. The women got the action started at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 6 with the first game of the doubleheader. Gina Brierley, Maddie Lang, Asia Royster, Alani Gallagher and Casey Wortley started the game for the Lions. The Knights struck first with a layup before the first minute of the game was up, and multiple missed shots and turnovers by the Lions led to an early deficit. The poor style of play caused head coach Anthony Crocitto to call a timeout with 5:30 left in the first quarter.
Coming out of the timeout Gallagher got fouled in the paint, leading to a pair of free throws, both of which she made, and put Saint Leo on the board. The next possession for the Lions resulted in another two points, but just as the team seemed to gain some momentum, Gallagher picked up her second foul leading her to the bench with 2:56 left in the first quarter. Saint Leo failed to score in the remaining time and ended the first quarter with a score of 14-4 in favor of Lynn. In the second quarter, the Lions’ offense was sparked by a three-pointer from Olivia Lough and carried by Brierley to end the half 25-14.
Over halftime, the Lions dealt with key issues and came out playing good basketball and taking care of the rock. They came back to tie the game at 31-31 towards the end of the third quarter. The third quarter ended with Lynn ahead 36-33. The Lions trailed by five points midway through the fourth quarter and traded baskets with Lynn until with 3:30 left in the game Saint Leo cut it to a one-possession game. Unfortunately for the Lions, Lynn hit clutch free throws to take control and win the game 55-49. Saint Leo was just not able to hit the deep ball consistently and ended up shooting a mere 20 percent on 4-20 from three-point range. Casey Wortley was the high scorer for the Lions, with 16 points and five rebounds.
The men’s game tipped off around 7:45 p.m. with a much bigger crowd than came to support the women’s team. Kyran McClure, Junior Searcy, Isaiah Hill, Tyler Carter and Pape Ngom started for the Lions. Lynn won the tip and scored on the first possession only to be answered right back by Hill. McClure added six quick points as the Lions had a blistering start leading 15-4 at the five-minute mark when the first round of subs came in. However, the new squad gave up several offensive rebounds and turned the ball over multiple times allowing Lynn to go on a run and take the lead back 17-15 with 10 minutes remaining in the first half. Saint Leo then came back with their own hot streak going on a 13-3 run fueled by blocks and good shooting and forced Lynn to take a timeout with seven minutes left and a score of 28-20 in favor of the Lions. After the Knights timeout, they hit a few threes and knocked down several free throws to tie the game again at 28-28. The teams traded baskets and ended the first half with Lynn having the slight, one-point advantage at 37-36.
The game continued as it left off, with teams trading baskets. Lynn grew a small lead at 52-48 with 11 minutes left in the second half. The game then slowed down a little, but as Saint Leo started working, and with 5:30 left in the game, it was tied again at 57-57. Lynn got into the bonus early in the second half and were knockdown at the free throw line allowing them to again take the lead with a score of 67-63 with a minute left. The Lions missed the front end of a crucial and one, but good defense following the miss forced Lynn to take a timeout with 00:47 on the clock. Both teams made a shot, and McClure sank a three to bring them within one point, but there was only one second left. The Lions fouled immediately and sent Lynn to the foul line yet again, only for Lynn to hit both free throws to cap off the game, 74-71.
The women’s team entered Wednesday’s contest with a record of 9-12 overall, with a 4-9 conference record. Many of these games have come down to the wire, with nine of the 21 contests being decided by ten points or less. The men’s team comes in slightly better with a record of 10-11 overall, with a conference record of 7-6. The Lions are good at defending their home court, posting a 5-3 record in games played on campus. The men’s team has had many tough games this season, with 18 of their games being decided by ten points or less.
