University of North Florida
Edward Waters
UNF takes out Edward Waters
12/16/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 16, 2006
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - After enduring a difficult start thus far to the 2006-07 season, the University of North Florida men's basketball team was looking for a boost of confidence on Saturday afternoon when it faced cross-town foe Edward Waters in an exhibition matchup.
Strong defense and a dominating performance by senior Rashad Williams gave the Ospreys just what they were seeking.
Williams scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and UNF forced 25 turnovers leading to 21 points, as the Ospreys upended the Tigers 61-52 at UNF Arena.
Sophomore Aaron Caruthers added 15 points off the bench for the Ospreys, who won their fourth consecutive game against EWC and for the 12th time in 15 matchups against the Tigers.
"It was good to see our guys go out and have fun," UNF head coach Matt Kilcullen said. "We needed something positive to happen, and our guys made it happen today. I thought they came out with a purpose and did what needed to be done."
UNF (1-8) trailed only once in the game - 3- 2 in the opening minutes - and took control quickly after that. A 13-0 run midway through the first half pushed the Ospreys out to a 22-8 lead, and they never looked back. Williams scored 10 points and Caruthers nine over the first 20 minutes, giving UNF a 29-22 advantage at halftime.
In the second half, the Ospreys stretched their lead to as many as 13 points before Edward Waters (5-7) rallied to within 58-52 with 1:15 remaining. The Tigers could never get closer, however. Caruthers and Chris Timberlake iced the game away at the free throw line for UNF after that.
UNF shot just 38 percent for the game and hit only 11 of 22 free throws. Edward Waters shot 38 percent and outrebounded the Ospreys, 43-38. Turnovers and cold shooting from beyond the 3-point arc (3-of-16) plagued the Tigers.
Bobby Brown led EWC with 16 points, while James Perry added 15.
Saturday's game was the first of a seven consecutive home games for UNF, which returns to action on Monday night against Binghamton at 7 p.m. That game will be aired locally on WIOJ-AM 1010 and via the World Wide Web at www.UNFOspreys.com.
