LAKELAND, Fla. - The game was tied at halftime, but a big third quarter allowed Florida Southern to get past the Lincoln women's basketball team, 83-69, on Tuesday evening (Nov. 22).

The Blue Tigers started the game strong, with Kelsey Mitchell draining a three within the first 15 seconds of competition. The teams played evenly until the final minute of the period, when a three-pointer from Mercy Gonzalez and a late layup by Le'Yanna McGinnis gave LU a 20-16 advantage through the opening 10 minutes. McGinnis, one of three Blue Tigers to score in double figures, led LU with 18 points and pulled down four rebounds.

Lincoln (1-3) led by as many as 10 with 3:41 to go until the half, but Florida Southern (3-1) mounted a furious rally, out-scoring LU, 13-3, the rest of the way to make it a 37-37 affair at the break. Mitchell scored six-straight points for the Blue Tigers in the second quarter, and finished with 12 for the contest.

The third quarter ended up being the difference-maker, as the Mocs scored 22 points while limiting Lincoln to 11. The Blue Tigers played well in the fourth quarter, scoring 21 points on .583 shooting, but Florida Southern held on for the win. Aysia Arrowood was Lincoln's other double-digit scorer, as she ended the night with 11 points, while Gonzalez came close to doubling up with nine points, seven rebounds, a block, a steal and an assist.

Three Blue Tigers each scored five points, including Niyah Jackson, who also dished a team-high six assists. Miriam Bazylewicz had five points and two boards, and Saniya Simmons recorded five points, a steal, a pair of rebounds and three assists. Also ending the day with three assists was Ashlyn Alloway, who made a free throw and collected five rebounds.

Aliyah Bello contributed two rebounds and an assist, and AJ Bradley closed the scoring with three points, three boards, two assists and a pair of steals.

Lincoln will open MIAA play on Monday night (Nov. 28) on the road, as the Blue Tigers head to Pittsburg, Kan. to play Pittsburg State at 5:30 p.m. CST.