HIALEAH, Fla. (Dec. 23, 2022) – Florida National University’s Christmas Classic came to a close, with another solid victory from the Lady Conquistadors. FNU picked up a 62-49 win over the Eagles of Fort Lauderdale marking the second win over Fort Lauderdale this season.
The Conquistadors (6-6) were the only team in the classic to escape unbeaten and handed the Eagles (1-9) their fourth loss in as many contests.
In the first quarter, FNU jumped to a 17-8 lead following Natalie Larranaga and Janelisse Marty Marrero’s four-point performances in the period. FNU was outrebounded in the period 10-7 and this would continue throughout the ball game as the Eagles secured 48 rebounds to FNU’s 40.
The Conquistadors had another solid defensive scheme, forcing 10 turnovers in the first along with seven steals.
Going into halftime, FNU gave up 17 points in the second period yet still managed to cling to a 32-25 lead at the break. Kaylee Llanos led the way with five points and a crafty steal on the defensive side of the ball. Larranaga stayed consistent with four points in the second while Aaliyah Abdala and Louise Pilley combined for four points off the bench.
The second half saw the Eagles shoot 4-9 (44.4%) from the field in the third and outscore the Conquistadors 10-8 without any real switch in momentum. FNU was able to get consistent scoring with Llanos and Marty Marrero combining for six points in the period. FNU struggled from the field going 3-18 from the floor but still managed to disrupt a flowing Eagles’ offense, forcing five turnovers.
In the final frame, FNU locked in on offense going 8-13 (61.5%) from the floor outscoring the Eagles 19-7 down the stretch. Larranaga put up a solid seven points in the period and Llanos’ four points were just enough to help the Conquistadors conquer their sixth win of the year.
Larranaga ended the ball game with 17 points six rebounds and six steals. Marty Marrero flirted with a double-double recording 11 points and eight rebounds while Llanos delivered 14 points.
Up Next: The Lady Conquistadors return to action in 2023 with a road trip to Keiser University on Jan. 7.
