UNF battles back for 66-58 win over Shaw

Saturday, December 4

Valdosta, Ga.

4:00 PM

University of North Florida

Valdosta State

2/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball

GAME NOTES l BOX SCORE

VALDOSTA, Ga. (Dec. 4, 2004) - The University of North Florida men's basketball team found itself on Saturday afternoon where it has so many times before this season - in a close game on the road and in desperate need of a spark.

Freshman Tom Abernethy and sophomore James Grimball delivered.

Abernethy scored a career-high 14 points, including seven in a decisive second-half stretch, to help UNF rally for a 66-58 win over Shaw in the consolation game of the Park Avenue Bank Classic at Valdosta State.

Abernethy also blocked four shots and tallied four steals to help the Ospreys (2-7) snap a nine-game losing skid away from home and a four-game streak overall. Grimball added 15 points for UNF, which trailed 28-27 at halftime.

"I thought the character of our team really came in this game," UNF head coach Matt Kilcullen said. "After what they have been through the last few games, being in tough games against good teams on the road, we had players really step forward and make big plays when we needed them most."

Grimball was one of those players. The sophomore scored 13 points in the second half, including eight points in a four minute stretch late in the game that helped stretch UNF's lead from 44-42 to 62-48. Abernethy added seven points in the run.

The Ospreys started off cold, missing their first 14 shots but battled back behind stifling full-court pressure. UNF forced 28 Shaw turnovers. The Ospreys shot 55 percent in the second half and 43 percent for the game.

Shaw shot 41 percent. John Kornegay scored 18 points to lead the Bears.

"It was nice to get a win," Kilcullen said. "I'm just happy for the guys because we are about to head into final exams and a little off time. This was a big lift."

The Ospreys will take two weeks off before returning to action on Dec. 17 in the Primerica/Meyer Maniac UNF Holiday Classic at UNF Arena. The Ospreys will play St. Paul's on Dec. 17, followed by Shaw on Dec. 18.