FORT MYERS, Fla. - UNF women's basketball (7-6, 1-0 ASUN) was in position to take (RV) FGCU (12-1, 1-0 ASUN) down to the wire, trailing by just six in the third quarter, but the host Eagles found their offensive rhythm in the fourth as the Ospreys came up short in the ASUN opener, 88-57, Wednesday, Jan. 5.
The Ospreys outscored FGCU in the paint, 34-24, but ASUN Preseason Player of the Year Kierstan Bell put up 27 as the Eagles improved to 5-1 at home. FGCU was receiving votes in the latest AP and USA Today Coaches Polls.
FGCU 88, UNF 57
Beyond the Box Score
- First Quarter: UNF and FGCU went on early runs … FGCU rattled off a 6-0 run for a 9-4 lead, but a layup and three-pointer from Rhetta Moore tied it … the Eagles converted consistently from beyond the arc for a 21-14 advantage.
- Second Quarter: Moore paced all Ospreys with five in the second frame, helping keep North Florida within 10 at the break … UNF did a better job containing FGCU from three-point range in the second, holding FGCU to 3-for-13 from long distance.
- Third Quarter: Jazz Bond got in the scoring column for the first time on the evening, UNF got within six points at 38-32, but FGCU shot 6-for-7 from the line and 42.9 percent from three to take a 13-point lead heading into the fourth.
- Fourth Quarter: FGCU went on a large scoring run at the start of the fourth to put the game out of reach.
Leaders By the Numbers
UNF
FGCU
- Kierstan Bell | 27 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals
- Tishara Morehouse | 21 points, 8 assists
Coach Gibbs' Comments
Notes
- Three Ospreys had seven rebounds.
- Moore reeled in a season-high seven boards.
- Both teams only combined for two second chance points.
- Kaila Rougier made her first career start.
Up Next
North Florida plays its ASUN home opener Saturday, Jan. 8 at 2 p.m. against Stetson.
