SAINT LEO, Fla. (February 7, 2024) - Women's basketball snapped a seven-game losing streak on Wednesday with an emphatic 70-52 win over the Saint Leo Lions. The victory brings Rollins to an even 10-10 on the year that includes a 7-7 record in SSC play. Saint Leo falls to 10-12, 4-10 SSC.
It was Saint Leo jumping out to an early lead with a big first quarter. With the game tied 8-8 with six minutes to go, the Lions went on a 14-6 run to close out the period and take a 22-14 lead.
Saint Leo would extend their lead to ten points with the first made basket of the second, but freshman
Faith Newton scored a quick five points to try and keep the Tars in the game. While Saint Leo wasn't exactly lighting up the scoreboard, they held their lead thanks to a cold stretch of more than six scoreless minutes from Rollins.
Claire Erickson scored five points in the final minute, including a late three, to make it 35-26 at halftime.
The Rollins team that showed up for the second half was the same squad that went on an eight-game win streak earlier this season. The first six points of the third went Rollins' way, while they held the Lions scoreless for three-and-a-half minutes. A layup from
Lucy Leen and two free throws from Erickson would tie the game at 36 with 4:48 to go in the third. Both teams found success from the free throw line for the remainder of the quarter, but the Tars had done enough to capture a 46-44 lead.
The Lions would tie the game early in the fourth, but a quick 8-0 run from the Tars gave them a cushion. Newton and Irizarry-Perez would knock down threes on back-to-back possessions halfway through, essentially icing the game. In the final 5:21 of action, Rollins held Saint Leo to just two points, and would hold on for a 70-52 win.
Rollins' defense was outstanding in the second half, allowing only 17 total points while the offense poured in 44.
Irizarry-Perez was the leading scorer with 15 points to go with her eight rebounds.
Maddie Dillinger added 14, and Newton chipped in 12.
Not only did the win solidify the Tars chances to make the SSC tournament, it was also a historic benchmark for head coach
Glenn Wilkes Jr. In his 38th year at the helm of the Tars program, Wilkes collected his 750th career win. He ranks 3rd among all active D-II coaches, trailing Tom Shirley of Jefferson and David Slifer of Central Missouri. Wilkes also ranks 10th all-time in coach wins at the D-II level.
Next up for Rollins is a home date with the #9 Eckerd Tritons. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 pm from Warden Arena in Winter Park.
