Late Surge Propels Ospreys Past Savannah State, 56-42

Friday, December 18

UNF Arena

5 p.m.

University of North Florida

Savannah State

12/18/2009 8:00:49 PM | Women's Basketball

BOX SCORE

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida women's basketball team held just a three point advantage with eight minutes remaining but went on a 14-3 run to close out the game and defeat Savannah State, 56-42 on Friday in the 2009 Hampton Inn & Suites Osprey Holiday Classic at UNF Arena.

“This win was huge for our team's mentality and mindset,” said head coach Mary Tappmeyer. “It makes them go home at Christmas a lot happier.”

Leading the Ospreys (3-7) was sophomore guard Brittany Kirkland with 14 points. Junior forward Jadhken Kerr added 11 points while senior forward Arlande Cherizol notched her second double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds. She also added four steals, three assists and two blocks.

The Lady Tigers (8-5) were led by Kymberli Stamps and Crissa Jackson with 11 points each.

The two teams were tied at seven after four and half minutes of play, but UNF went on a 10-2 run behind the shooting of Kerr who knocked down eight points over the next four minutes to put the Ospreys on top, 17-9 with 11:35 on the clock. Savannah State responded with a run of its own, outscoring UNF 13-4 to take a 22-21 advantage with seven and a half minutes remaining in the opening half. UNF and SSU traded baskets over the final minutes of the half, but UNF hit the final basket with a layup by senior center Shenette Sheffield to take a three point (32-29) lead into the break.

UNF continued its run out of the intermission, taking a seven point, 38-31 lead with 16:42 on the clock. The Lady Tigers would pull within three twice with 9:43 left and again at the eight minute mark, but would get no closer.

“Savannah State shot it really well in the first half,” Tappmeyer said. “They don't play a lot of players so I think with these back-to-back games they got a bit tired in the second half. We were able to get a lot of high turnovers that allowed us to get out in transition and that is really when our team momentum builds is on those transitional plays.”

The Ospreys dominated inside, pulling down 46 rebounds to 27 by the Lady Tigers and notching 20 points in the paint. UNF also had its lowest turnover tally of the season with just 13 while dishing out 16 assists and posting 10 steals.

Kirkland was named the MVP of the tournament and Kerr earned a spot on the All-Tournament team. Also on the team was Savannah State's Jackson, Brittany Wiley from Jacksonville State and S.C. State's Paris Alston.

UNF will have 12 days off between games for the holidays. The Ospreys will be back in action Thursday, Dec. 31 when they travel to Miami for a 2 p.m. tip-off at Bank United Center.