Basketball Recap: Palmetto Takes a Loss

Palmetto was not able to break out of their rough patch on Monday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were five points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 45-40 heartbreaker at the hands of the Land O' Lakes Gators. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Tigers of the 37-33 defeat they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in December of 2023.

Land O' Lakes found their leader in freshman Jessi Saffold, who dropped a double-double on 18 points and 12 steals. Those 12 steals set a new season-high mark for Saffold. Alex Nichols was another key player, putting up 13 points.

Palmetto now has a losing record at 4-5. As for Land O' Lakes, their win ended a four-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 4-3.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Palmetto won't have much time to rest: their next contest is against Lakewood Ranch at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Land O' Lakes will take on Sports Leadership & Management in a holiday battle at at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday.