Box Score AVE MARIA, Fla. | For the fourth consecutive conference matchup, Florida Memorial suffers defeat, this time in a tight contest against Ave Maria.

After being down 21-11 in the first quarter, FMU outscored Ave Maria 17-10 in the second to make it a three-point game going into the half. While they kept it close, the Lions would be outscored 32-26 by the Gyrenes in the second half, culminating in the nine-point loss on the road.

FMU guard Dasiah Thornton led with a game-high 21 points, going 5-of-13 from the field and 10-12 from the free throw line. Philly native Quameerah Peterson-Gray followed suit with 15 points, going 7-of-17 from the field, including two steals while senior Janae Markes chipped in eight points for FMU.

The loss drops Florida Memorial to 8-8 on the year and 0-4 in conference play.

The Lions return to action Saturday, January 20 where they'll travel to Webber. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Babson Park, Fla.