Pioneers Come Up Short in 82-81 OT Loss to Florida National

Tampa, Fla. – Florida National made three of its final four free throws on its way to an 82-81 overtime win over the Spartanburg Methodist College on Thursday night.

The Conquistadors (3-7, 1-0 CAC) were led by a 27-point, 22-rebound effort from Charlette Leurs. She was joined in double figures by Janelisse Marty Marrero, who also had a double double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Kyla Cruz Baez and Fabiana Nieves had 16 and 12 points, respectively.

The Pioneers (4-11, 1-1 CAC) were paced by Destiny Middleton, who had a team-best 25 points to go along with eight rebounds. Mia Hansen and Krystal Johnson added 15 and 13 points, respectively.

A 3-point play with :15 left in regulation by Leurs tied the game at 74 and forced overtime. Middleton put the Pioneers ahead to start the extra period with her sixth 3-pointer of the contest. The two teams were tied twice in the overtime, including at 80 when Leurs made her first of two free throws. She gave the Conquistadors an 81-80 after making the second free throw with :53 left to play. Fabiana Neves added to the lead when she made one of two free throws with :12 to go.

Next, SMC nearly tied it when they made one of two free throws, grabbed the offensive rebound and got a look at a last-second shot that came up short to end the contest.

The Pioneers will face Fisher College (Mass.) in another neutral-site match up on Friday, Jan. 10 at 3 p.m.