The University of North Florida men’s basketball team lost against the Jacksonville University Dolphins at home on Saturday night in the rematch of the 2026 ‘River City Rumble.’
The Ospreys had a weak first half, only making 17.9% of their field goals, 20% of their three-pointers, and 53.8% of their free throws. They had a much stronger second half, making 53.6% of their field goals, 30% of their three-pointers, and 80% of their free throws. The Ospreys took noticeably fewer two-point shots than the Dolphins this game, with 56 shots compared to JU’s 65.
The Dolphins took an early lead, getting ahead by nine points in the first three minutes of the game. Despite putting up a solid offense, JU quickly racked up fouls, giving the Ospreys a chance for two free throws and allowing Dalton Gayman to make the first point for the team, followed by a three-point shot by BJ Plummer with an assist from Kamrin Oriol.
The Ospreys tried to keep up their momentum but came up short in the next five minutes, with four fouls and five points gained compared to the Dolphins’ 15. The Ospreys begin to find their footing, scoring 11 more points by the end of the period, but are unable to close the distance between themselves and JU. The halftime score was 49-20.
The Ospreys had a better second period, with Oriol making a layup off a turnover, Nestor Dyachok making three layups from in the paint and both making free throws collectively within the first five minutes.
However, they weren’t able to catch up, as the Dolphins made an alley-oop, one free throw, and a three-point play within the same time. The Ospreys had a total of ten three-pointers attempted in the second period, but only made three of them.
Despite the Ospreys’ best efforts, they weren’t able to close the gap and the game ended with the final score of 85-61.
During the post-game interview, coach Bobby Kennen illustrated his team’s need to prepare for the postseason.
“We’ve gotta be able to wash this out, we have to have a short memory and then get ready for our next game on Wednesday night,” Kennen said.
UNF drops to 7-24 on the season, while JU improves to 12-19 and clinches a series sweep of the Ospreys.
The Ospreys now prepare for their match against the West Georgia Wolves in the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship First Round on Wednesday.
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