MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Basketball is one of the few sports where you can see an individual affect the outcome of a game just as much as a collective group does.
But things really go well when you get a mix of both.
Led by
Isis Lane's game-highs of 21 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks, along with three other players finishing with 11 points or more, Florida Memorial University's women manufactured a 71-68 win over visiting Keiser University Saturday in the FMU Wellness Center.
In what was a hotly contested matchup, FMU (9-10, 4-5 Sun Conference) got what ended up being the game-winning bucket from
Meaurie Pickett.
After the Lady Seahawks tied the game at 68 with 31 seconds left in the game, Florida Memorial was essentially gifted a wide-open layup after Keiser tried to double-team the Lions as they brought the ball up the floor on the ensuing possession.
FMU, which will enjoy a few days of rest before hitting the road to take on Warner University Thursday (Jan. 23), simply passed the ball through the pressure and it found Pickett unguarded near the rim as Keiser's defenders tried scramble back into position.
Keiser's attempt at a potential game-tying or game-winning basket was thwarted when
Airneisha Gamble poked the ball away from Lindsey O'Sullivan and right into the hands of
Danielle Bailey, who was fouled and put the game on ice by knocking down one of two free throws to put the Lions up 71-68.
Lane's performance Saturday marked her second-straight double-double in as many games since she returned from a two-game hiatus.
"I felt like I owed my team since I missed the past two games," Lane said after the game. "I was pressing early and was frustrated in the first half, but the coaches did a good job of calming me down and I was able to make an impact on both ends tonight. The offensive production was great, but I felt like my defensive numbers were huge because that's where things start for us – on the defensive end."
Bailey was right behind Lane in the scoring column, as she finished with 16 points. The senior guard, who received praise from FMU head coach
Gregory Stanback after the game, also grabbed three rebounds, nabbed away two steals, dished out three assists.
Ashleighn Gary finished with double-digit points for the third straight game Saturday, recording 13 points to go along with six boards. While Gamble extended her streak of games with 10 or more points to four as she added 11 points in addition to the key defensive stop in the waning seconds. The late layup was Pickett's only basket on the night but it might have been the biggest while the Lady Lions also got a tangible lift from freshman
Ixsamar Gonzalez, who had six points and three rebounds in 11 minutes off the bench.
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