Miami Gardens, Fla. – Starting the 2026 installment of the "Battle of Miami Gardens" on Wednesday evening, the St. Thomas University Women's Basketball Team scored the opening eight points against Florida Memorial and never trailed in a 71-57 victory.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: St. Thomas 65, Florida Memorial 59
Records: St. Thomas (12-5, 5-1 Sun Conference), Florida Memorial (8-5, 4-3 Sun Conference)
Records: STU leads 26-14

HOW IT HAPPENED:
·         The Bobcats held Florida Memorial off the scoreboard for the opening five minutes of the game while limiting the Lions without a run of consecutive baskets for the entire first quarter to boast a 21-10 lead.
·         The Lions rallied to get within four at 25-21 midway through the second quarter, with the sides splitting the final 18 points of the half to create a 34-30 halftime score.
·         STU recreated its double-digit advantage during a 7-1 stretch that made it 54-42 with 1:44 left in the third quarter, only for a 6-0 FMU run to end the frame making it 54-48.
·         St. Thomas countered a Lions' layup to start the final quarter with eight-straight points to boast a 62-50 lead with 6:42 left to play. holding the Lions without a run of consecutive baskets for the rest of the night to secure the victory.

NOTEWORTHY:
·         Jaliyah Weekes led the offense behind 18 points while adding two steals and one block.
·         Sarei McGill added 12 points and three assists.
·         Joey Delancy chipped in 10 points alongside six rebounds.
·         Katrina Litte and Samantha Vales each dished out four assists.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
·         STU went 24-53 from the field, 9-18 from beyond the arc and 14-25 from the free throw line. FMU went 21-53, 4-17 from three and 11-18 from the free throw line.
·         Florida Memorial held a 37-33 advantage in rebounds.
·         The Bobcats forced 19 turnovers, resulting in 18 points. The visitors scored eight points off 13 turnovers.
·         STU recorded nine steals and six blocks versus seven steals and two blocks for the Lions.
 
UP NEXT:
The Bobcats welcome Ave Maria University on Saturday, Jan. 17 with tip-off slate 2:00 pm.