Trio Scores in Double Figures, but #WBB Falls at Northern Kentucky

Thursday, February 13

Highland Heights, Ky.

7 p.m.

University of North Florida

-517, 110 ASun

Northern Kentucky

-1310, 93 ASun

North Florida

Northern Kentucky

Trio Scores in Double Figures, but #WBB Falls at Northern Kentucky

2/13/2014 9:19:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: North Florida Athletics

Boxscore (PDF)

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – University of North Florida women's basketball's Larkira Jones had a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double to lead a trio of Ospreys in double figures in a 78-65 loss at Northern Kentucky Thursday night at The Bank of Kentucky Center.

Brittney Wright and Destinee Smith added 12 and 11 points, respectively, for the Ospreys.

UNF shot 40.4 percent (23-for-57) from the floor, including 50.0 percent (14-for-28) in the second half. The Ospreys held a slim 37-35 advantaged in rebounds.

Kayla Thacker paced the Norse with an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double. Melody Doss and Christine Roush each scored 15 points, while Kelley Wiegman tallied 11 points.

Northern Kentucky shot 44.6 percent (25-for-56) for the game, including 51.6 percent (16-for-31) in the first half.

The first half started out close, but Northern Kentucky got hot down in the latter part. After Chandler Merkerson's jumper at 9:59 made it a five-point game, a Lauren White three at 9:20 sparked a 15-3 run that put the Norse up 32-15 at 5:13. Northern Kentucky eventually built its lead up to 23 points, going up 44-21 on a Rianna Gayheart three at 1:47. However, Bre Crum hit a trey with 47 seconds to go in the half as the teams entered halftime with Northern Kentucky leading the Ospreys 44-24.

Although UNF cut Northern Kentucky's lead down to 17 twice in first three minutes of the second half, the Norse went on an 11-2 run to go up 60-24 on a pair of White free throws at 13:27. UNF quickly responded with a Smith three-pointer at 13:12 as the Ospreys began to chip away at their deficit. UNF came to within 16 when Wright hit a trey at 7:27 to make it 67-51. UNF and the Norse continued to trade points and the Ospreys were able to come to within 13 points twice in the final minute. A layup from Merkerson at 48 seconds made it 76-63. After Courtney Roush made a pair of free throws at 23 seconds, Wright drew the foul and made a pair of foul shots at 16 seconds to make it a 13-point game, which was the closest UNF could get.

The Ospreys return to action on Saturday at Lipscomb. Tip is set for 5 p.m., EST/4 p.m., CST from Allen Arena. The game will also air live on ESPN3.