MELBOURNE, Fla. - Florida Tech women's basketball found itself in another tough game against a strong Flagler Saints team. It was a battle from start to finish that did not have a winner till 16 seconds left in regulation. Unfortunately for the Panthers (2-2) it was the Saints (4-1) that were the victors, 56-53. 

Taking on the scoring load for the Crimson and Gray was Kailyn Ebb (17) and Amanda Allen (15). Ebb (7) also topped the team in rebounds, while Fanny Hakanson (6) led in assists.

Florida Tech got off to a hot start as the team jumped out to a 7-2 lead only three minutes into the game. But then Flagler quickly rattled off eight straight to make it 11-7 before a Michaela Gelbaugh jumper brought it back within one score. The Saints would put up four more points though to end the quarter at 14-9. 

The Panthers battled back to bring it within one with 7:12 left in the second. Then the teams started to trade buckets until the 3:40 mark when the Saints went on another run and made it 27-20. But after that small outburst it went back to the teams trading baskets till the halftime buzzer.

Florida Tech trailed 31-27 as they went into the locker room.

The Crimson and Gray owned the first five minutes of the third as they tied it up twice and briefly took the lead at the 5:50. The team then tied it again at the 3:11 mark and then the lead, 39-27 at 2:17. But the Saints ended the period with seven points in the final 1:05.

The fourth quarter was like most of the game with both teams going bucket for buckt until an 8-2 run by Florida Tech tied it with 2:03 left in regulation. But neither team could find the bottom of the basket again till 16 seconds left when late free throws give the Saints the win at 56-53.

The Panthers will be back in action on Monday, Nov. 19, as they welcome Webber International to the Clemente Center for the teams final exhibition of the season. The next game that will go on the teams record will be Nov. 23 when they face Alaska Anchorage in the Great Alaska Shootout.

For the latest news, updates and information on the Florida Tech women's basketball team, visit FloridaTechSports.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Panthers news by following Florida Tech Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.