Tars Pick Up First SSC Win Over Panthers

WINTER PARK, Fla. (December 4, 2021) – The Tars picked up their first Sunshine State Conference win of the year, downing Florida Tech in Warden Arena 54-46.  With the win Rollins improves to 4-4 overall, and 1-2 in conference action.  The Panthers drop to 1-8, and remain winless in SSC play, at 0-3.
 
Isabella Prada paced the Tars with 14 points off the bench.  The freshman went 5-6 from the field, including 4-5 from three point range.  Silvia Lasarte Garcia added eight points for the Tars, while leading Rollins with six rebounds.
 
Hannah Roney led the Panthers with 11 points.  Cheyenne Scott collected a game high seven boards.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
First Quarter

• The Tars and Panthers both started slow, as defenses dominated the opening minutes.
• Rollins would eventually heat up, getting three pointers from Grace Alfieri, Isabella Prada, and Kymora Westerfield to take an 11-7 lead.
• The Panthers would make a pair of free throws late, as the Tars took a 11-9 lead into the first break.

Second Quarter

• The Panthers grabbed a lead at 13-12, but a Lucy Leen triple put the Tars back on top, 15-13.
• Florida Tech would push back in front just before the halfway point of the period, at 18-17.  But, another Alfieri three gave the Tars a lead they would not give up for the remainder of the half.
• A pair of Prada threes led a Rollins 12-6 run down the stretch, and the Tars took a five point advantage into the locker room.

Third Quarter

• A Niya Pluviose jump shot ballooned Rollins lead to nine early in the second half.
• From that point on Florida Tech chipped into the Tars advantage.  The Panthers ultimately took the lead with a late three, putting Rollins in a 39-37 hole, heading into the final quarter.

Fourth Quarter

• The Panthers hit a pair of free throws to grow the lead to four, but from there Rollins controlled the game.
• Prada hit a three pointer and a got a steal and an easy fast break layup to give Rollins a one point lead.
• Lucy Leen hit a shot from behind the arc to give the Tars a four point at the 5:14 mark.
• The Panthers responded with a triple of their own, making the score 47-46, but from that point on the Tars defense locked down, not surrendering another point.
• A Caroline Swartz layup and five consecutive points from Silvia Lasarte Garcia sealed the game away. 

UP NEXT:
After a week of finals, Rollins will return to action on Saturday, December 11, as they continue SSC action against Barry.  Tip off is set for 2 p.m.
 
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