UNF Drops Close One To Mercer, 54-48

Monday, January 4

UNF Arena

5:30 p.m.

University of North Florida

Mercer

1/4/2010 8:34:01 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida women's basketball team fell to Mercer 54-48 in Atlantic Sun Conference action on Monday, Jan. 4, at UNF Arena.

The Ospreys fell to 4-9 overall and 1-3 in Atlantic Sun play, while Mercer improved to 6-7 and 3-1 in league play.

“We needed to come out with a little more intensity, especially in the first half,” said UNF head coach Mary Tappmeyer. “And we didn't rebound very well, they out-rebounded us. When we are out-rebounded we typically don't win the game. They made us play defense for most of the shot clock and then they would get an offensive rebound and then you have to play defense again and it kills your momentum. We didn't take very good care of the basketball.”

The Ospreys now go on the road for a pair of A-Sun contest at Florida Gulf Coast on Thursday, Jan. 7, at 6:05 p.m. and continue on to Stetson on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 3 p.m. Both games can be seen on www.ASun.TV.

The Bears jumped out to an eight-point midway through the first half but the Ospreys battled back to tie the game at 26-all with 2:59 left before the break. North Florida continued its surge and ended the half on a 19-9 surge to take a 33-31 lead at the half. Sophomore guard Kim Baker led UNF with 10 points in the first half as both teams shot 50 percent or better in the first stanza.

Mercer came out strong in the second half and took a seven point lead at 40-33 with 14:15 remaining before UNF responded with an 8-0 to take a 41-40 lead at the 11:15 mark. It was the only lead of the half for North Florida as the Bears regained the lead at 43-41 and never trailed the rest of the way. Both teams went into a scoring drought over the next seven minutes as only one basket was scored, a 3-pointer by Mercer. Mercer scored again at the 3:03 mark to take a 48-41 lead but UNF would claw back to within three at 51-48 with 1:13 left. But that was as close as the Ospreys would get.

Sophomore guard Brittany Kirkland and Baker led UNF with 10 points a piece, while senior Alrande Cherizol led the Ospreys with six rebounds and four steals and junior Julliemay Syquio with four assists.

North Florida shot 43.5 percent (20-46) from the field, while Mercer shot 35.6 percent (16-45). The Ospreys shot 30 percent (3-10) from behind the arc and 83.3 percent (5-6) from the free throw line. The Bears shot 30 percent (6-20) from 3-point range and 76.2 percent (16-21) from the line. Courtney Ford led Mercer with 21 points.

Single-game tickets for basketball games are $10 for adults and $8 for youth 17-and-under and senior citizens 55-and-older. One ticket will admit you to both the 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. games on those days. Children 2-and-under and any current UNF student with a valid Osprey1 Card are admitted free. Student guest passes for those events are $5 and limited to one per student. If you are unable to attend the games they can be seen on ASun.tv.