FORT MYERS, Fla.- Sariana Rodriguez and Macarena Retamales combined for 38 points to lead the #18 Florida SouthWestern State Buccaneers over the Hillsborough Hawks 82-70 in Southern Conference action Saturday in Suncoast Credit Union Arena.  With the win, the Bucs clinch at least a share of their fifth straight conference title. 

 

There was plenty of offense early and often in this one as FSW raced out to a 13-7 lead midway through the first quarter before an 8-1 run from the Hawks gave them their first lead of the game at 15-14 with 3:30 remaining in the period. Back to back buckets from Macarena Retamales and a late three from Sariana Rodriguez gave the Bucs the lead back and a 23-17 advantage after 10 minutes of action. 

 

The Bucs looked like they were going to run away with it early in the second as Retamales hit a floater and on the next FSW possession dished it to Natalia Tondi for a three to put them up 14 with 7:00 to go in the half.  But Hillsborough wouldn't go away, scoring the final five points of the half and keeping the Bucs without a bucket for the final 2:30 of the period to get back to within seven at the break 38-31.  

 

Both sides came out hot after their halftime adjustments and traded baskets to 44-38 midway through the period.  A three drew the Hawks back to within one possession momentarily before another triple from Tondi pushed the Bucs lead back to six.  A three point play from Jayla Murray late in the quarter gave the Bucs a double digit lead and they settled for a 60-52 advantage at the end of three. 

 

The Bucs stretched their lead back to 10 early in the fourth when Retamales found Rodriguez for a three in the corner, but back to back triples for the Hawks moments later quickly had it just a three point game at 69-66 with 6:16 to go.  Seven straight points from Tashun Bryson padded the Bucs lead back to 10 and Hillsborough never threatened again as FSW dribbled out an 82-70 win to the delight of their home crowd.  

 

FSW was efficient in all three phases of their offense, shooting 49% from the field, 47% from three, and 69% from the free throw line in the win. Rodriguez put up her second straight 20 point scoring effort while also recording a career high 12 rebounds in the win.  Retamales finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists for FSW. 

 

The Bucs hit the 20 win plateau for the fifth time in six seasons as a program, improving to 20-4 overall and 7-0 in Southern Conference action where they clinch at least a share of the conference title with two games left to go. Hillsborough falls to 10-14 overall and 2-6 in conference play with the loss. 

 

FSW will look to seal up their fifth straight conference championship on Wednesday when they travel to Fort Pierce to take on Indian River for the third time this season. They return home next Saturday for their final home game of 2022 when they battle Miami Dade on Sophomore Day in the Arena.