January 24, 2026
Bucs Slip Late Against Santa Fe
The Florida SouthWestern Buccaneers led for 35 minutes Saturday afternoon against the Santa Fe Saints, but couldn't close the deal late, watching their lead slip in a 57-54 defeat to fall to 13-8 on the year.
GAINESVILLE, Fla.- The Florida SouthWestern Buccaneers led for 35 minutes Saturday afternoon against the Santa Fe Saints, but couldn't close the deal late, watching their lead slip in a 57-54 defeat to fall to 13-8 on the year.
It was a slow start for both sides as the Bucs and Saints combined for just 17 first quarter points with FSW holding a 9-8 advantage after 10 minutes of action.
The Bucs got things rolling in the second, doubling their first quarter output to take a 27-21 lead into the break at half.
Once again the Bucs basket had a lid on it in the third as they managed just nine points and three field goals with Santa Fe erasing the Bucs halftime lead to tie the game at 36 at the end of three.
The Bucs and Saints went back and forth in the fourth with Kiara Harris drilling a three to break a 48-48 tie with just over two minutes to go in the ballgame. But the Bucs couldn't hold the lead as Santa Fe outscored FSW 9-3 over the final two minutes to retake the lead and finish off the Bucs 57-54.
FSW shot just 36% from the field in the defeat with Destinie Gordon leading the way with 13 off the Buccaneers bench.
The Bucs fall to 13-8 overall and 6-3 in Citrus Conference play while Santa Fe wins for the first time since December 17th, improving to 4-11 overall and 2-7 in league play.
FSW will look to get back on track Wednesday when they return home for a 5 PM tip off against Hillsborough at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers.