JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Despite a strong defensive effort in the fourth quarter, the North Florida women's basketball team could not overcome South Carolina State as it dropped a 53-48 decision on Saturday afternoon in the Hampton Inn Oceanfront Holiday Classic at UNF Arena.

The Ospreys were once again led by sophomore Sierra Shepherd with 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. This is Shepherd's seventh straight game in double figures who leads the team in shooting and three-point percentage. Claire Ioannidis and Karrah Johnson each added eight points, while Johnson pulled down nine boards.

It was sophomore Maiya Rumph though who was a strong presence off the glass with a season-best 14 rebounds including six of the offensive variety. UNF held a 48-44 edge off the glass and outrebounded its opponents for the fourth straight contest.

North Florida opened the game with a 13-0 lead, not allowing SC State to score until 2:44 left in the first quarter. From there though, the Bulldogs swung momentum in their favor going on a 17-2 run that stretched into late in the second quarter. The Ospreys hit just one bucket in the second quarter and allowed SC State to take a 23-19 lead into the locker room.

Out of the break, South Carolina State extended its lead to 15 by the final frame at 47-32 on a pair of free throws with 9:07 left to play. However, the Ospreys dug their heels in and a make from the stripe by Taru Madekivi sparked a 15-3 run that included three long balls to bring UNF to 50-48 with 2:14 remaining. With UNF forced to foul, the Bulldogs made 1-of-2 at the line allowing time for Coach Gibbs to call a timeout. Unfortunately, SC State stayed tight on its defense and made the Ospreys shoot unsuccessfully from long range and gave the game to the visitors.

Neither team really found a rhythm as both shot below 30 percent. UNF was stronger from long range hitting seven the the Bulldogs' one. Turnovers hampered UNF as SC State converted 19 points off of 16 miscues. 

For South Carolina State, Amber Howard come off the bench to score a team-best 11 points, while Jasmine Coleman grabbed 12 rebounds and had eight points.

UNF now has to a quick time to rest up to prepare for Campbell as the Ospreys play in their final game before the break. Campbell (4-5) dropped its game against Central Arkansas on Saturday.