MELBOURNE, Fla. – Chris Wilson scored a team-high 15 points while Dayuna Johnson added 10 more as Flagler College edged Florida Tech 56-53 in a non-conference women's basketball game Saturday afternoon at the Clemente Center.

Flagler improved to 4-1 overall while Florida Tech fell to 2-2.

"It was ugly, but I am happy with the finish," said head coach Erika Lang-Montgomery. "Florida Tech had a great defensive plan and we struggled to find openings against their zone. We have got to figure out how important free throws are as that has become out Achilles heel."

With the score tied at 53 and 1:41 left to go, Flagler committed a turnover, but Florida Tech missed on a chance to take the lead when Amanda Allen missed a jumper and the ball went out-of-bounds.


The next time down the court, Tabitha Obade missed a six-foot jumper, but Johnson corralled the rebound. With 16 seconds left, Johnson flipped the ball to the left corner to Kierra Crane who tried to drive the baseline. She drew a foul on Kailyn Ebb and sank two free throws to give Flagler a 55-53 lead.

After a Florida Tech timeout, the Panthers were able to advance the ball to half-court and Ebb missed a layup while Crane gathered the rebound. She was fouled and made the second of two free throws to give the Saints a 3-point lead.

Again, Florida Tech called a timeout, this time with 0.7 seconds left, and had the chance to get the ball at half-court. The Panthers were able to get a desperation 3-pointer off, but it fell short of its mark.

Crane finished with nine points and Odabe grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.

Flagler forced 19 Florida Tech turnovers and were able to cash those in for 17 points. The Saints struggles from the line continued as they made just 56.7 percent (17-30).

Ebb led the Panthers with a game-high 17 points. She added seven rebounds. Allen contributed 15 points.

Flagler returns home to face Saint Leo University on Tuesday (Nov. 20) at 5:30 p.m. at Flagler Gymnasium.
 


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