JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Behind 55 points in the second half, 14 three-pointers for the game, 20 assists and eight blocked shots on the defensive end, North Florida men's basketball (5-16, 1-6 ASUN) ran away with a 93-74 victory against Central Arkansas (6-13, 3-3 ASUN) Thursday, Jan. 27 from the UNF Arena.
The Ospreys had four players score in double figures, led by
Jarius Hicklen and
Jose Placer who had 24 points apiece and combined to shoot a sparkling 10-for-20 from beyond the arc.
Jonathan Aybar was a factor down low, playing a huge part in giving UNF a 51-34 rebounding advantage. Aybar collected an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double to go with two assists and two blocks off the bench.
North Florida led by as many as 21 points, leading for over 26 minutes to claim the win against the Bears in the first meeting between the two teams.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
1st Half
- Both teams battled down low as shots weren't falling but the Ospreys were giving themselves a series of second chances, collecting 10 rebounds and five offensive boards before the first media timeout … UCA created some separation, going up 36-29 at the 3:39 mark, although UNF pulled off a 7-0 to get even … the spurt was capped by a thunderous tip-slam from Jadyn Parker … UCA got a pair of free throws to take the slim lead into the break … both teams made 13 field goals in the opening frame … UNF had 11 second chance points to UCA's four.
2nd Half
- UNF took the lead with a Parker layup just over a minute into the second session, putting UNF ahead, 43-42 … the Ospreys led from then on out as the three-pointers started to fall in droves … with the momentum already shifting in UNF's favor, Chaz Lanier threw down a dunk while drawing the foul in transition, putting UNF ahead 59-52 at the 12:09 mark .. UCA stayed around, with UNF leading 67-62 at the under-eight minute media timeout … the Ospreys started to find their hottest hand of the game from then out, outscoring UCA 26-12 over the final seven minutes and change … UNF shot 10-for-20 from long distance in the second half … Jose Placer netted 20 in the second half, while Hicklen had 14.
BY THE NUMBERS
UCA
- Camren Hunter | 17 points, 3 assists, 1 block
- Jared Chatham | 14 points, 5 rebounds
- Darious Hall | 9 points, 3 steals
UNF
NOTABLES
- This was the first meeting between UNF and UCA.
- Carter Hendricksen scored 12 points, moving him into 15th all-time in the UNF record books for scoring. He passed former teammate JT Escobar and is now one point shy of Jerron Granberry's mark of 1,071 points.
- It was the second time in three games UNF has reached 14 three-pointers made.
- UNF made its most three-pointers in an ASUN game for the 2021-22 season.
- The Ospreys grabbed 18 offensive rebounds, its second most in conference play.
- Hicklen has scored in double figures in four consecutive games and has reached 20-plus points in two of his last three games.
- North Florida upped its blocks total to 93 for the season. Opponents have only blocked 57 shots.
COACH DRISCOLL'S COMMENTS (WITH JARIUS HICKLEN & JOSE PLACER)
NEXT UP
UNF remains at home Saturday for a 5 p.m. tip-off against Lipscomb.
