UNF dominant in win

Tuesday, December 18

Jacksonville, Fla.

7:00 PM

University of North Florida

NORFOLK STATE

Juliemay Syquio has averaged 14 points her last three games.

12/18/2007 9:15:52 PM | Women's Basketball

Syquio scores 17 in Holiday Classic opener

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida women's basketball team dominated both ends of the court on Tuesday night in a 66-40 win against Norfolk State in the opening round of the UNF Holiday Classic.

Freshman point guard Juliemay Syquio took over in the absence of an injured Jennifer Bowen, leading her squad with a career-high 17 points. She also added four rebounds, three assists and four steals to her evening.

She wasn't the only Lady Osprey to post career-high numbers on Tuesday. Shennette Sheffield had career-highs in both points (10) and rebounds (9), while Brittany Burton had a career-high in points (5) and Shandrea Moore set a career-mark for steals (5).

“I was pleased with the defensive effort in the first half and you are always happy to get a win,” UNF head coach Mary Tappmeyer said. “We got big contributions from Brittany Burton in the absence of Jennifer Bowen. She is not afraid to shoot the ball. Scoring 66 points is big for us because sometimes we struggle on the offensive end.”

The Lady Ospreys (4-5) took the game over in the opening half of play, holding Norfolk State (1-6) scoreless from the field for more than 10 minutes while going on a 20-2 run that Burton capped off with a 3-pointer to give UNF a 26-11 advantage. Mo'Nique Redhead finally broke the run with a 3-pointer of her own, but couldn't stop UNF from carrying a 32-17 lead into the half.

UNF held the Spartans to six field goals in the first half and 12 for the game. Antoinette Reames led the Lady Ospreys in the opening half with seven points, while Areya Walker and Redhead each had seven.

Walker finished the contest with a double-double, scoring 14 points and pulling down 14 rebounds. Tiffany Gadsden also pulled down 14 rebounds, helping the Spartans win the battle of the boards 48-46.

The Lady Ospreys continued their dominance in the second half, beginning the frame on an 8-1 run and never letting NorfolkState closer than 17 points. Syquio did most of her damage in the half, finishing it with 12 points.

UNF forced a season-best 37 turnovers in the matchup, 25 of which came in the first half. The team's 21 steals was four off its record of 25 set in 2003.

The Lady Ospreys are back on the court Wednesday night at 7 p.m. when they face off with Wofford. The Terriers defeated SavannahState 65-55 in the opening game of the UNF Holiday Classic. SavannahState and NorfolkState will get the day's action started with a 5 p.m. contest. Admission to both games is free.