Miami Gardens, FL – The Webber International Women's Basketball team traveled down to Miami Gardens on Saturday afternoon, trying to play spoiler on the Lions' senior night. A tough battle ensued but the Warriors were unable to defeat the Lions, losing 67-62.
Janaina Goncalves started off the game with a block on a layup attempt by Florida Memorial. Samantha Pacheco scored first for Webber on a layup with an assist from Jaida Burgess. Burgess scored next on a layup and was fouled on her way to the rim, sinking the and-one. Jaiden Ross scored on a fast break layup and Burgess scored again to give Webber a 9-0 lead. Pacheco scored next for Webber before Alisha Walker scored a layup and a free throw to put Webber at 14 points for the quarter. After being shut down early, the Lions were able to roar back and led after one quarter 18-14.
Kaliyah Little was the first Warrior to score in the second quarter. Pacheco and Ross scored next for Webber, as they were able to bring the deficit to seven, 27-20. Pacheco hit a free throw for the Warriors, and Little had another layup fall. Jasmine Henry had the last points of the half for Webber, as her layup made it 34-25 headed into the half.
Ross hit a layup in the third off an assist from Jermaisa Klopsis, who scored next to make it 36-29. Pacheco was fouled on a fast break layup and sank the ensuing free throw. Burgess hit two free throws next to bring Webber within four. Klopsis and Burgess both scored to bring the score to 43-38 Florida Memorial. Two free throws apiece from Pacheco and Burgess kept Webber within five. Burgess and Kori Wimberly hit free throws soon after. A shot from Wimberly and two more free throws from Burgess help the Warriors tie the game at 49 heading into the fourth quarter.
The final frame went back and forth, as neither team was able to pull ahead more than three points for most of the quarter. Walker and Burgess were able to retie the game after an FMU three. Little tied it next at 54 with a layup. Burgess sank three free throws at different intervals to keep the game at 57-57. A layup from Ross gave Webber a two-point lead, but that would be the last lead for the Warriors as they could only muster three more free throws from Burgess and Little as the Warriors fell to the Lions 67-62.
Burgess led the team with 20 points, notching a double-double with 11 rebounds as well. Pacheco was the next leading scorer as she had 12 points and eight rebounds.
The Warriors will be back in action on Wednesday, February 21st when they host the Ave Maria Gyrenes at 5:30 PM in the Sabbagh Center.
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