MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – St. Thomas University's Women's Basketball (2-3, 0-1 TSC) took a tough loss at Florida Memorial University Lions (4-3, 1-0 TSC) on Saturday afternoon at the FMU Wellness Center to open up conference play. Florida Memorial took the first match-up of the Battle of Miami Gardens.

The Bobcats jumped out to an early lead, the offense was quickly led by senior Samara Auguste who had five-points in the first five minutes of the game. The early attack was slowly condensed by the Lions as they were able to work their way back up to tie the game at 12 and shortly after take the lead and never look back. The Lions took a 17 to four run to end the first quarter.

After trailing by as much as 17 in the second quarter, STU was able to chop down on the lead and close out the quarter on a 23-8 run in and bring it within five going into half time. The Bobcats were able to secure nine of their points off of turnovers. 14 out of the 23 points were made in the paint. Destiny Wilson and Dynasty Carter were able to pick pocket FMU five times to lead the defense in the first half.

Upperclassmen Keiana Brooks, Ebony Griffin, and Auguste led the team back into the game after half time and tied it at 52 all. FMU was able to jump back on top and take a six-point lead going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the lead continued with Florida Memorial but never being greater than six-points. The Bobcats continued to fight and were able to tie the game at 75 all as Auguste knocked down a three-pointer from Brooks with 44 seconds left in regulation. With 11 seconds left in the match, the Lions took a two-point lead off a lay-up off an inbound play. It came down to one final shot by STU to tie the game and send it to overtime, but the shot was blocked as the final buzzer went off.

Notable Facts:

- Bobcats outscored the Lions in the paint 42 to 10.

- STU secured 22-points off of turnovers.

- Defense recorded a season high 15 steals.

Key Performers:

- Samara Auguste: 25 points, 4 assists, 2 steals

- Ebony Griffin: 19 points, 6 rebounds

- K. Brooks: 13 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals

- D. Wilson: 9 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals

St. Thomas will return to action on Sunday, November 25^th as they travel up to Georgia to take on Reinhardt University at 2 p.m.

-STU-