MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – In the first of two battles this season between backyard rivals St. Thomas and Florida Memorial, the Bobcats lost their first conference game of the season, 49-45, on Saturday afternoon at the Chester Robinson Center.

St. Thomas (16-5, 6-1), led most the game and by as many as 14 in the second half, before Florida Memorial made a late charge with a decisive 15-2 run. 

The Bobcats were led by Constina Cousins who came off the bench with 12 points and 11 rebounds, her team-best fifth double-double of the season.  Senior forward Nickerline Montina (11 points) and junior forward Dannisha Pierce (10 points) also scored in double figures for STU.

St. Thomas remains in first place in The Sun Conference deadlocked with Ave Maria with a 6-1 conference record. The Bobcats, who defeated the Gyrenes at home on Jan. 20, visit Ave Maria in the regular season finale on Feb. 18.

STU and FMU will resume their rivalry on Valentine's Day at the Fernandez Center.  But first things first is a chance for the Bobcats to get back to their winning ways with a home game vs. Northwood this Friday at 7 p.m.