Sun Conference Athletics

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The 3rd seed Florida Memorial Lady Lions edged out the 1st seed St. Thomas Bobcats by a score of 61 - 59 to capture the Sun Conference Tournament Championship and an automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship Saturday at Edward Waters College.

The Sun Conference Player of the Year, Kiesha Alexander, led the Lady Lions with 19 points and 11 rebounds while playing in all 40 minutes of the Championship game. Alexander finished the tournament recording a double-double in all three tournament games, the only player to achieve such a feat.

The Bobcats were led in scoring by Nickerline Montina with 17 points and 5 rebounds, followed by All-Conference Player Dominique Collier with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Florida Memorial scored 13 unanswered points with 2:31 left in the game allowing them to gain the lead by two. Carissa Staiano scored a 3 point basket for the Bobcats with 1:17 in the game, giving St. Thomas a one point lead. Florida Memorial’s Sudanne Stewart quickly countered with a three point basket of her own, giving the Lady Lions a two point lead. Montina scored two points to tie the game with 22 seconds remaining, but Stewart scored again with six seconds left to solidify the victory for Florida Memorial.

The two teams split their series for the season, each winning at home. The last game, played at Florida Memorial, was also won with a 2 point margin.

Florida Memorial will next travel to the NAIA National Tournament in Point Lookout, Michigan.