WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Thomas University women’s basketball team defeated Keiser University, 76-73, Saturday afternoon at the Student Life Center.

Trailing by four going into the fourth quarter, Thomas outscored Keiser 31-24 in the final stanza to improve to 7-15 overall and 4-7 in the Sun Conference. Keiser falls to 10-12, 4-7.

Three Night Hawks netted more than 15 points, led by a season high 23 from Jewel Montisano, who drained four shots from long range, which was also a season high for the junior. Samantha Gilbert added 21 points and six rebounds while Micah Garvin posted 17 points and a pair of steals. 

Keiser led 35-29 at the half, after hitting 46 percent from the field, to Thomas’ 32.4 percent. Thomas stormed back in the second half by hitting 61.5 percent (16-26) of its shots to outscore the Seahawks 47-38. TU’s defense held Keiser to just 10-of-34 (29.4 percent) from the field in the second period. 

Thomas only had eight turnovers in the game and forced Keiser into 15.

The Night Hawks trailed in the fourth quarter until a free throw from Alisha Clayton at 6:12 gave TU the 56-55 lead. The teams traded leads until 3:49, when Sharai Larry drained a 3-pointer to give Thomas the edge for good.

TU next hosts a four-game Sun Conference homestand, beginning with St. Thomas University Jan. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the TU Gymnasium.