MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – St. Thomas (9-7, 7-1 TSC) lost for the first time this season in Sun Conference play to number two ranked Southeastern (17-0, 7-0 TSC) 77-51 in the Sun Conference Women's Basketball Game of the Week held Thursday night at the Fernandez Family Center.

Samara Auguste led the Bobcats with 14 points, hitting three three-pointers in the fourth quarter.  Katie Rienas hit three three-pointers as well to score 11 points.  Eneily Rodriguez added six points, all coming in the second quarter, going 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

On the glass, Ebony Griffin, Chakari Merritt and Keiana Brooks each pulled down a team-high five rebounds.

STU fell behind early, trailing 23-5 after the first quarter.  The Bobcat bounced back with a strong second quarter, ignited by Rodriguez off the bench and scoring 15 points to the Fire's 17 points in the frame.

SEU took over once again in the third quarter, but the Bobcats continued to fight hard through the fourth as Auguste and Rienas came alive offensively with their three-point shooting.

Despite the loss, the Bobcats remain in second place in The Sun Conference standings, one game behind Southeastern.

St. Thomas returns to action on Saturday at 2 p.m. vs. Ave Maria at the Fernandez Family Center.