JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The 2016-17 North Florida women's basketball officially kicks off on Friday as the Ospreys opens their home slate against the Rattlers at 3 p.m. at UNF Arena.
| Game Details |
| Date & Time |
Friday, Nov. 11 | 3 p.m. |
| Location |
Jacksonville, Fla. (UNF Arena) |
| Opponent |
Florida A&M |
| Coverage |
Live Stats | ESPN 3 |
SERIES HISTORY
Despite being just two and a half hours away, this will be the first meeting between the two teams.
HOME OPENERS
The Ospreys last opened their season at home in 2014 where they lost to Georgia State. In all opening games played at home, UNF is 11-1 overall with all 11 victories coming during the Division II era. In opening games overall, the Ospreys are 14-10.
QUICK HITS
- UNF returns four starters from last season:
Claire Ioannidis,
Karrah Johnson,
Sierra Shepherd,
Maiya Rumph.
- The Ospreys have four complete newcomers: freshmen
Adrienne Jackson,
Kennya Simms and
Kirsten Clement and junior college transfer
Jaiveonna Norris.
- After sitting out a year due to NCAA Transfer rules,
Simone Brown and
Tesh Hanson join the UNF lineup. Sophomore
Hadley Kiefer and senior Taru Madekivi round out the 2016-17 squad.
- Senior
Claire Ioannidis is the team's leading scorer from a season ago with 15.1 points per game and helps the Ospreys return 84% of their scoring from 2015-16.
ON THIS DAY
North Florida has played three times since 2007 on November 11 and has dropped all three contests, but the falters were to Florida State (2007), Ole Miss (2011) and FIU (2012).
LONG RANGE STREAKING
The Ospreys have made at least one 3-pointer in 32 consecutive games dating back to 2/25/15 when FGCU held them without a longball (0-8).
SCOUTING THE RATTLERS
- FAMU finished 16-15 on the season and a 9-7 mark in MEAC play.
- The Rattlers lost 50 percent of their scoring include leading players Olivia Antilla (429 pts) and Khadejra Young (449 pts) to graduation. They have nine new players on their 2016-17 roster.
- Cedricka Sweeting averaged 10.4 ppg, but missed much of the season. Kenya Dixon will be an integral part for FAMU as she owned 211 points which was third best last season.
- Florida A&M shot .379 from the floor, while going .286 from long range.
For more information - see our game notes.
