SARASOTA, Fla. - The Mighty Banyans lost 60-43 at home to Fort Lauderdale due to turnover struggles. 

The Banyans (6-12) returned to Hal Chasey Gymnasium following a 1-3 stretch on the road. New College faced off against a familiar foe in Fort Lauderdale, who beat the Banyan's 66-48 in their previous match-up in Lauderhill, FL. 

The New College offense struggled out the gate. The Banyan's knocked down 3 of their first 13 shot attempts, totaling only 7 points in the first frame. The New College offense lacked consistent looks on their end, leading to 7 first quarter turnovers. The Banyan defense struggled to contain the Eagles offense, which converted on 64% of their shots. These struggles helped Fort Lauderdale jump out to a big 23-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

New College improved on their first quarter play to begin the second frame. Sierra Moore led New College with 6 second quarter points on an efficient 3-4 shooting from the field.The Banyan's had five players score in the second quarter, and improved their first quarter field goal percentage by 10%. The Banyan defense picked up their play in the second. Tatiana Jackson and Joselish Depool locked down the interior, helping the Banyan's record 5 steals in the second frame. New College trailed the Eagles 36-23 at the end of the first half. 

The third quarter of action showcased the offensive struggles both teams faced on the night. The Eagles struggled to convert on their interior shots in the third, making just 3 of their 12 shots in the painted area. The New College defense also eliminated the Eagles ability to convert from the three point line, where they shot just 1-6 in the period. 

Sierra Moore and Jadyn Lattimore were the only Banyan's to score in the third period, combining for 10 points. 

The fourth and final quarter of play highlighted the turnover issues the Banyan's faced for the entirety of the game. After entering the fourth quarter trailing by 10, the New College offense turned the ball over 10 times. The Eagles capitalized on the additional opportunities, knocking down 3 shots from beyond the arc in a quick 9-0 run. The Banyan offense continued to fight, converting on a game high 44.4% of their shots in the final quarter. 

Ultimately, New College's turnover troubles were too much to overcome, with the Eales pulling away to a 60-43 victory. 

Sierra Moore led all scorers with an impressive 18 points, and 9 rebounds. 

Jadyn Lattimore and Chloe Reece both scored 6 points. 

The Banyan's are back in action on Sat. Jan. 27, when they travel to Jacksonville, FL to face off against Trinity Baptist College.