Last-Second Shot Sinks Lady Lions, FMU Falls To Keiser University

Box Score WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Florida Memorial University's women saw its two-point lead – with four seconds remaining – and its chance to clinch a berth in the Sun Conference postseason tournament fade away with a single shot when Keiser University's Emily Patton banked in a three-pointer at the buzzer, stealing the game away from the Lady Lions in a 67-66 slugfest on Keiser's Massimino Court.

The Lions clung to a 66-64 lead after senior guard Danielle Bailey made just one of her two free throws on FMU's final possession. The Seahawks rebounded Bailey's miss, called a timeout, and Patton was able to knock down a three-pointer at the top of arch over the outstretched hand of Isis Lane – sending the home fans into a frenzy and delivering a gut punch to FMU.

While the missed free throw that would've put FMU ahead by three late, the subsequent last-second three-pointer by Keiser, and the decreased production from the Lions' leader all hurt; the factor that will Florida Memorial head coach Gregory Stanback shaking his head is that his team was unable to come away with a victory on a night when its opponent turned the ball over 30 times.

Even with FMU losing the rebound battle (41-34), Thursday's loss carries the extra sting in knowing that Keiser literally gave the ball away almost once every minute.

Thursday's game meant a lot to both teams.

For the Lions (13-14, 8-9 Sun Conference) it was an opportunity to clinch a spot in the Sun Conference postseason tournament. Had the Lady Lions won Thursday, they would not have been able to finish no lower than sixth place – the final qualifying spot in the conference tourney. Instead, Florida Memorial now will be in a must-win situation when it hosts local and conference rival Johnson & Wales University this Saturday (Feb. 22).

Keiser (13-14, 7-10), which entered the game as the eighth seed, staved off elimination thanks to the fluky shot and maintained their mathematical chance at possibly moving up the standings.

Junior guard Airneisha Gamble had a bit of a bounce-back performance Thursday, leading FMU with a game-high 23 points and six steals. Gamble had scored 11 point combined in Florida Memorial's previous two games, but broke out against the Seahawks as she helped the Lions build as large as a seven-point lead late in the third quarter.

As solid as Gamble's night was, FMU sorely missed the usual contributions of Lane. The 6-foot-4 senior, who leads the team in scoring and rebounding this season, finished well-below her season averages – totaling just seven points and four boards in 31 minutes of action. Freshman Ixsamar Gonzalez, who got her third start of the season Thursday, continued her offensive production out of the post – finishing with eight points and a game-high eight rebounds. Bailey finished with nine points while Ashleign Gary and Anjelie Tirone each chipped in with six points off the bench.