#WBB Back at UNF Arena for Hampton Inn Oceanfront Holiday Classic

Tournament Central
Game Notes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Nonconference play ends for University of North Florida women's basketball this weekend when the Ospreys host the Hampton Inn Oceanfront Holiday Classic at UNF Arena. The Ospreys face Air Force (Friday, Dec. 20) and Georgia Southern (Saturday, Dec. 21) for the first time in program history. Eastern Illinois also competes in the tournament.

"We are very excited to be back at home and are looking forward to a great tournament," said head coach Mary Tappmeyer.

It is the seventh-straight year in which UNF has hosted a Holiday Classic. The Ospreys enter the weekend with a 7-5 record through the previous six years.

UNF comes off a 61-42 setback at No. 25 Florida State on Monday night in Tallahassee, but the loss came with several program victories. The Ospreys are the first non-major team to hold the Seminoles to under 70 points this season. Florida State's 61 points were its fewest against a non-ranked team thus far in 2013-14. Additionally, the Ospreys' four freshmen were each key contributors. Bailey Florin (10 points), Amber Robinson (10) and Flo Ward (9) were the top three scorers for UNF, while Janeá Williams added two blocks to help the defense.

Air Force attempts to pick up its first road win of the season and is currently 0-4 when playing away from Clune Arena. In their most recent game, the Falcons suffered an 84-56 loss at Omaha on Dec. 11. Air Force's trip to Jacksonville is its second east of the Mississippi River this season. The Falcons opened the season with an 87-26 loss at No. 12 North Carolina. Cherae Medina and Jimi Blagowsky lead the Falcons with 11.7 and 11.0 points per game, respectively. Medina also has a team-best 4.3 rebounds per game.

Georgia Southern begins the Hampton Inn Oceanfront Holiday Classic against Eastern Illinois in the first game on Friday. The Eagles are currently 1-1 against Atlantic Sun teams this season after falling 79-58 at Jacksonville on Nov. 24 and defeating Mercer 61-54 on Dec. 4. Georgia Southern comes off a 79-70 Southern Conference win over Wofford on Monday. Anna Claire Knight was tabbed SoCon Student-Athlete of the Week after having 19 points against Wofford. Knight leads the Eagles with 15.1 points per game, while MiMi DuBose is averaging 10.6 points per game. Briana Jones has a team-best 9.8 rebound-per-game average.

Both of UNF's games are set for 3:30 p.m., tips. Throughout the weekend, UNF will recognize youth that have excelled on their reports cards. Fans that bring a report card with an "A" to the women's games receive one free youth ticket. A report card must be brought each day. Additionally, Friday's game is Faculty and Staff Appreciation. With their ID card, Faculty and Staff members and a guest get in free for Friday's two games. Meanwhile, on Saturday, it is "Take A Parent To The Game," with fans receiving a free youth ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket.

#WBB Back at UNF Arena for Hampton Inn Oceanfront Holiday Classic

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