Aissa Diallo knocked down the go-ahead 3-pointer with 43 seconds remaining Saturday afternoon, lifting New College of Florida Women's Basketball to a 59-57 victory over Thomas University at the Warner WBB Sunny Southern Classic.
The Mighty Banyans improved to 2-0, completing a sweep of their opening weekend after defeating Andrew College on Friday.
Playing her second game after missing the entire 2025-26 season due to injury, Diallo delivered the decisive basket with NCF trailing 56-54. Gwen Tsoukalas followed with two free throws with seven seconds remaining to extend the advantage to three.
Diallo led the Mighty Banyans in scoring and collected seven rebounds while going 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. Tsoukalas added 14 points, while Geriya Grady finished with eight points and five rebounds.
Alexa Titherington collected a team-high eight rebounds, and Julia Pacheco contributed seven points and six rebounds.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Grady opened the scoring with a 3-pointer off a Titherington assist. Thomas answered and built a four-point lead before NCF moved ahead 14-13 by the end of the first quarter.
The Mighty Banyans extended their advantage in the second quarter. Diallo connected on a 3-pointer with 1:03 remaining in the half, sending NCF into the break with a 32-24 lead.
Thomas opened the third quarter with consecutive baskets and eventually took a 36-34 lead. Tsoukalas answered with a layup to tie the game and added another basket after Thomas moved back in front.
Diallo's two free throws with 2:47 remaining gave NCF a 40-38 advantage. Tsoukalas followed with a layup, and Diallo added two more free throws at the end of the quarter to put the Mighty Banyans ahead 44-39.
Thatiyana Holiday opened the fourth quarter with a jumper. Pacheco later converted a three-point play before Diallo knocked down a 3-pointer to give NCF its largest lead, 52-42, with 7:18 remaining.
Thomas responded with a 12-1 run to take a 54-53 lead with 2:21 to play. Salyse Dillihay tied the game with a free throw before Ameari Logan made two at the other end to put Thomas ahead 56-54.
After a Thomas miss, NCF called timeout with 50 seconds remaining. Diallo delivered the go-ahead 3-pointer seven seconds later.
The Mighty Banyans forced a turnover on Thomas' next possession, and Tsoukalas made both free throws with seven seconds left. Thomas added one free throw at the end of regulation before Titherington secured the rebound on the second attempt to finish the win.
THE TURNING POINT
With NCF trailing by two in the final minute, Diallo connected from beyond the arc with 43 seconds remaining to give the Mighty Banyans a 57-56 lead.
NCF followed with a defensive stop, forcing a Thomas turnover with 25 seconds left. Tsoukalas then made two free throws to help secure the victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
2-0
NCF's record after winning both games at the Warner WBB Sunny Southern Classic.
43
Seconds remaining when Diallo made the go-ahead 3-pointer.
14
Points contributed by Tsoukalas.
8
Rebounds collected by Titherington.
6-for-6
Diallo's performance at the free-throw line.
STAT LEADERS
Points: Aissa Diallo - team leader; Gwen Tsoukalas - 14; Geriya Grady - 8; Julia Pacheco - 7
Rebounds: Alexa Titherington - 8; Aissa Diallo - 7; Julia Pacheco - 6; Geriya Grady - 5
Assists: Alexa Titherington - 2
Steals: Aissa Diallo - 2; Gwen Tsoukalas - 2; Julia Pacheco - 2
Blocks: Alexa Titherington - 1
UP NEXT: NCF will host St. Catherine University in its home opener at 7 p.m. Friday at Bradenton Christian School.
