TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Despite a strong opening 15 minutes, turnovers and fouls hampered North Florida women's basketball as it dropped a 69-47 decision against Alabama at Coleman Coliseum on Monday afternoon.
Junior
Claire Ioannidis put up her third 20-point performance of the season with 21 points on 5-for-18 shooting and an 8-for-8 outing from the line. Sophomore
Sierra Shepherd joined in double figures with 13, while
Hadley Kiefer put up 11. The three combined for all but two of the Ospreys' points.
Off the glass,
Kadesia Johnson turned in her third straight double-figure rebounding outing with 12 boards, while sophomore
Maiya Rumph tied her season-best with 11 rebounds. UNF held an edge in boards for the second time this season grabbed 45 to the Crimson Tide's 43.
The Ospreys hit the first basket of the game and did not relinquish their lead until late in the second quarter. Alabama, down four with 3:43 before the half, went on an 11-0 run that included six points from leading scorer Hannah Cook to take a 29-22 advantage into the break.
After the half, Ioannidis hit one of her three long balls to pull UNF within four, 29-25, but it was as close as the visitors would get for the remainder of the game. UNF hit just three field goals in the final quarter and struggled from three-point land.
Alabama capitalized on UNF's 20 turnovers with 19 points. The Tide also penetrated the inside with 28 points in the paint.
North Florida quickly turns around again to prepare for Warner who visits UNF Arena on Wednesday. Game time is set for 5 p.m.