University of North Florida
Belmont
North Florida Holds Off Belmont, 61-56
2/5/2011 6:55:26 PM | Women's Basketball
BOXSCORE
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A trio of players hit double digits for the University of North Florida women's basketball team as it defeated Atlantic Sun Conference foe Belmont, 61-56 on Saturday afternoon at UNF Arena.
Leading the Ospreys (10-12, 8-5 A-Sun) was sophomore Taylor Smith with 15 points, junior Brittany Kirkland added 13 points while sophomore Jadhken Kerr dropped in 11 points. Sophomore Larkira Jones grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds.
The Bruins (7-17, 4-11 A-Sun) were paced by Molly Ernst with 13 points. Alyssa Visbeen added 11 points. Tereva Moore grabbed six rebounds and Shaunda Strayhorn handed out six assists.
In the opening half, both teams shot well with the Ospreys knocking down 50 percent (13-of-26) while the Bruins connected on 47.8 percent (11-of-23). UNF took an eight point, 15-7 lead with 14:26 on the clock. Belmont got it down to two (20-18) midway through the half, but UNF again extended its lead, going up nine,35-26, with 3:25 to play. The Ospreys took a 10 point, 40-30 advantage into the break.
Coming out of the break, the two teams traded baskets early but the Ospreys extended their lead to 13 (48-35) with 13:18 on the clock. The Bruins answered with an 8-0 run to closed the gap to five, 48-43, with just over nine minutes remaining. UNF and Belmont kept the score close over the next eight minutes, but the Ospreys maintained the lead. The Bruins got within four, 57-53, with 1:21 left, but UNF went 4-of-4 from the free throw line in the final minute to secure the win.
After hot shooting in the first half both teams struggled in the second half. The Ospreys ended up shooting 37.5 percent (18-of-48) for the game while the Bruins connected on 36.4 percent (20-of-55). UNF hit 45.5 percent (5-of-11) from outside to Belmont's 19 percent (4-of-21) from outside. North Florida connected on 71.4 percent (20-of-28) from the line while the Bruins hit 75 percent (12-of-16).
The Ospreys led on the boards, grabbing 40 rebounds to BU's 31, but the Bruins forced 22 Osprey turnovers while just giving the ball up 16 times.
UNF will be back in action on Tuesday, Feb. 8 when the Ospreys make the short trip across town to face Atlantic Sun rival Jacksonville. Game time is set for 5 p.m. at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.
