MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.— The Thomas University women's basketball team fell 54-81 to the blazing-hot Lions from Florida Memorial University. FMU guard Natalia Leguizamon scored 22 points for Lions improving the team to 4-0 in SUN Conference play. With the loss, Thomas now sits at 1-3 in the Conference.
Early in the first, the Night Hawks (1-7, 1-3 SUN) found themselves in a quick 8-0 hole that only mounted throughout the quarter, as the Lions' lead grew to 32-13 by the end of the opening period.
Turnovers plagued the Night Hawks Thursday night, as Florida Memorial (6-4, 4-0 SUN) pressed and trapped the Night Hawks' repeatedly, forcing 26 turnovers and fueling the huge first half performance from FMU. At the half, Thomas trailed 48-21.
The Night Hawks offense was led by the dynamic duo in the paint of Destiny Reed and Dyani Sheppard, who combined to score 23 of Thomas' 51 points.
Additionally, Reed contributed eight boards and five assists while Junior Amayla Shariff grabbed a pair of steals to go along with seven rebounds. The Night Hawks shot just over 30% from the field, but the continued growth from the free throw line helped TU hit a new season-high from the stripe (88.9%), as the Ladies knocked down eight of their nine attempts in the contest.
In the end, the early Lions' defense fueled the FMU attack putting the Night Hawks in too deep of a hole to climb out of down the stretch. But, after getting outscored in the first half by 27 points, the Night Hawks rebounded in the second half of play keeping each quarter close, getting outscored by six total points in the final 20 minutes of action.
Despite the loss, the second half resurgence is a welcomed sight, as, up next, TU travels a few blocks east to face-off against the Bobcats from St. Thomas University.
Tipoff against the Bobcats is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Fernandez Family Center. Fans planning on attending the contest in person are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time, HERE.
Those unable to attend the game can follow along by accessing the links below.
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