LAKELAND, Fla. (February 26, 2022) - The Webber International University women's basketball team matched up against the Florida Memorial University Lions in the semifinal round of The Sun Conference tournament on Friday night and in the end, a strong fourth quarter from the Warriors fueled them to victory, 68-60.
Despite being outrebounded in the game, 42-37, the Warriors (21-6 overall, 12-4 SUN) shot more efficiently from the field at 40.4 percent compared to the 32.3 percent of the Lions (16-10, 11-5). Webber also had slight advantages in terms of points off turnovers, 20-15, and bench points, 11-5.
It was a competitive start to the game with the Lions taking an early four-point lead, 20-16, at the end of the first period. The Warriors would struggle immensely in quarter number two, putting up just seven points on 12.5 percent shooting. Due to the slow second quarter, the Lions would hold an 11-point lead at halftime. Webber would pick it up offensively coming out of the half, shooting over 50 percent.
Amaya Small led the way in the third quarter, scoring 10 of the Warriors' 16 total points. Heading into the final quarter, Florida Memorial still held an eight-point lead. The Warriors would explode offensively in the fourth quarter, outscoring their opponents 29-13 on 66.7 percent shooting.
Jaida Burgess would lead the way in the final quarter, contributing 11 points in just eight minutes. Webber would convert 15-16 free throws in the fourth quarter to turn the game around and see out the eight-point victory.
Offensively, the Warriors were led by
Samantha Pacheco with 15 points on 50 percent shooting while grabbing four boards. She was followed closely by Small who ended the night with 14 points and eight rebounds, behind only
Dasia Wandick's team-high nine rebounds.
LeAndra Franklin and Burgess both contributed 11 points on the night while Franklin also led the team in both assists with six and steals with three.
The Warriors now advance to the final of The Sun Conference tournament where they will face No. 1 Southeastern University on Saturday, February 26, at 7 p.m.
