MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (Nov. 28, 2023) – For the seventh time in eight meetings, Florida National University (1-5) fell short of the mark versus the St. Thomas University Bobcats (5-2) Tuesday. The Conquistadors’ 87-60 loss was driven by an excellent second quarter from the Bobcats where STU posted thirty points en route to its fifth straight win over FNU.
In the opening quarter, FNU trailed 23-18 despite giving up eight turnovers in the period. Janelisse Marty Marrero recorded six solid points in the frame. Kyla Cruz Baez was stellar in her first game of the season with a quick three and relentless defense on FNU’s full-court press.
The second quarter was an offensive explosion for the Bobcats, especially for veteran guard Brooke Bogatz. Following a quiet first quarter with two points, Bogatz had 16 of the Bobcats’ 30 points in the frame. FNU had no answer for the undersized guard and could not contain center STU’s Sophie Vandyke in the post, where she picked up eight points before halftime. The Conquistadors shot 21% from the field with just ten points in the frame.
When the second half resumed, FNU had scattered production from different players on the court but was unable to make a real dent in the Bobcats’ lead. Center Tyra Kirlew had four points while reserve guard Gabriela Solis connected on her second three pointer of the evening. Both teams shot in the low twenties in the frame with STU outscoring FNU 15-13. FNU’s defense was stout, as they forced eight takeaways and six steals before heading into the fourth down 68-41.
STU closed out their fifth win of the young 2023 season with solid ball control and clock management to leave little to no time for FNU to make their way back within striking distance. Notably, Adalis Arroyo had a solid period that included a couple of made free throws and a smooth three-pointer. FNU ended the game shooting 31% from the field and STU hovered at around 37% before the final horn rang at the Fernandez Family Center.
Marty Marrero and Arroyo combined for 32 points in the contest. Solis and Kirlew posted nine and six points, respectively, from the bench in the loss.
Up Next: FNU heads to Jacksonville, Fla., for a 6 p.m. contest versus Trinity Baptist College on Dec. 7.
