MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Florida Tech women's basketball team was defeated by Florida Southern, 72-52, Saturday afternoon.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Florida Tech 52, Florida Southern 72
Records: Florida Tech (4-11, 1-7 SSC), Lynn (12-2, 6-1 SSC)
Location: Clemente Center | Melbourne, Fla.
FIRST QUARTER:
- Florida Tech came out with energy on the defensive end, forcing multiple early misses while Tai Roberts and Remingtyn Smith cleaned up the glass to keep FSC off the scoreboard.
- After Florida Southern scored first, the Panthers responded quickly, with Roberts knocking down a jumper to get Tech on the board and swing momentum back at 7:43.
- The Panthers took their first lead, 6-5, when Smith buried a fast-break three off a feed from Elif Bayrak, showcasing Tech's transition attack.
- Despite the Mocs briefly regaining the lead, Florida Tech stayed aggressive, with Smith and Bayrak pushing the pace and creating quality perimeter looks.
- Sydney Logsdon came off the bench and drained a three-pointer to keep the Panthers within striking distance midway through the quarter.
- Tech's defense generated turnovers and extra possessions, highlighted by a steal from Amanda Ogbonna that led to a scoring opportunity.
- Even as Florida Southern hit a few late shots from deep, Florida Tech continued to battle on the glass and get second chances, keeping the Panthers competitive through the opening 10 minutes.
SECOND QUARTER:
- Florida Southern continued to control the tempo early in the quarter, converting inside to push the lead to 24–8 just over two minutes in.
- Ogbonna answered for Florida Tech with a jumper at 8:15, and the Panthers continued to battle on the glass for second-chance opportunities.
- Deirdre Miller provided a lift at 6:09, knocking down a three-pointer to give Tech a spark on the offensive end.
- Roberts followed by going 2-for-2 at the line at 5:24, trimming the deficit and keeping the Panthers within reach.
- After Florida Southern stretched the lead again at the free-throw line, Elif Bayrak responded with a strong finish in the lane at 4:12 off a feed from Ogbonna.
- Tech continued to generate looks in transition and on the offensive glass, but Florida Southern capitalized on turnovers and fast-break chances to extend the margin.
- The Mocs closed the half with a late three-pointer and a layup in the final seconds, taking a 43–19 lead into halftime.
THIRD QUARTER:
- Tech opened the third quarter with a strong start in transition, as Amanda Ogbonna finished a fast-break layup at 9:52.
- The Panthers kept generating chances with hustle plays and extra possessions, including an offensive board by Deirdre Miller that led to a Tech bucket at 8:58.
- Ogbonna continued to anchor the interior, scoring again at 7:23 and battling on the glass as Tech looked to chip away.
- Tech showed flashes defensively, forcing tough looks and getting a key block from Ogbonna at 4:39 to disrupt Florida Southern's attempt at the rim.
- Logsdon added a steady scoring presence, knocking down a jumper at 3:33 to keep Tech's offense moving.
- Bayrak provided a spark with a three-pointer at 2:44, highlighting Florida Tech's ability to stretch the floor and create momentum.
- The Panthers continued to compete through the final minutes of the period, pushing pace and fighting for rebounds to set up opportunities heading into the fourth.
FOURTH QUARTER:
- Florida Tech came out aggressively, forcing turnovers and turning them into points, highlighted by Remingtyn Smith's fast-break three at 8:31 that cut into the margin.
- Morin kept the pressure on with a tough finish in the paint at 8:03 as the Panthers continued to attack downhill.
- The Panthers applied steady defensive pressure, even as Florida Southern responded in transition to protect its lead.
- Ogbonna provided a spark inside, scoring through contact at 4:26 and working the glass for extra possessions.
- Ogbonna followed it up at the free-throw line, knocking down multiple attempts to keep Florida Tech's offense rolling.
- Miller buried a late three at 1:02, and the Panthers closed the game playing with energy and determination through the final buzzer.
NOTABLE PANTHERS:
- Amanda Ogbonna led the Panthers with 16 points on efficient shooting while also adding four rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in a strong two-way performance.
- Deirdre Miller registered a career-high two three pointers, tying a career best seven total points.
UP NEXT: Florida Tech hits the road to Davie, Florida, to play Nova Southeastern. The game is set for Wednesday, January 14, at 5:30 p.m. ET.
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.