HIALEAH, Fla. (Dec. 3, 2022) – Florida National University's women's basketball team (3-4) picked up a much-needed win against the NCCAA's Trinity Baptist College (3-6), 81-66. This marks the end of a three-game losing skid, as FNU fell to RV St. Thomas University, Florida International University and Barry University by a margin of 30 points or more. TBC now picks up its fourth loss in a row in the 2022-23 season.
FNU delivered the win off strong performances from Natalie Larranaga and Kaylee Llanos lightning up the court at Bucky Dent Park in Hialeah, Florida, with 25 and 21 points respectively in the victory. The Conquistadors had a solid start to the ball game, finding success from the floor shooting a modest 37% to end the game.
What the Conquistadors struggled to do was keep TBC off the free point line as the Eagles 24-36 from the charity stripe
In the second half, FNU began to full-court press their opponents forcing 26 turnovers. FNU was able to run the floor extremely well especially with Aaliyah Abdala scoring a couple of shifty layups on her way to eight points for the afternoon.
Despite nursing a double-digit lead for a majority of the contest, the Eagles made their way back into the contest following various trips to the free-throw line. With just 12 points separating these two teams with 3:08 left in the fourth, FNU needed a bucket to put this game to rest.
Llanos came up big and rose to the occasion with a beautiful scoop layup to quiet the Eagles' growing momentum. The Hialeah, Florida, native scored once more on a jump shot with just 1:30 left on the clock to make it 81-60. The Eagles scored six more points before the referees' whistle officially marked FNU's victory.
Along with an impressive offensive performance, Larranaga and Llanos picked up four and five steals leading a solid overall defensive effort for the Conquistadors. Larranaga also put up a team-high six rebounds.
Next Up: Women's basketball hits the hardwood Dec. 6 for an exhibition thriller against Florida Atlantic University on the road.
