Video by Ronnie Rogers
The Ospreys dropped their third ASUN game to Lipscomb, as the Bisons broke away during the final seconds.
During the first quarter, Lipscomb moved the ball fluently and was able to capitalize of many of UNF’s slow transitions. The Bisons ended the first quarter 11-14.
North Florida regrouped and took the lead in the second quarter. The Ospreys went into halftime with a 26-16 lead.
Out of the half, Lipscomb went on an 11-0 run bringing the score to 27-26 in their favor. Simone Brown hit a floater and UNF retook the lead 28-27. The lead switched back and forth until UNF went on a 10-0 run extending their lead to 40-33 by the end of the third.
North Florida tried to push the ball and run the court, but the Lipscomb had no problem keeping up.
Brown ended the game with 21 points and nine rebounds. Head Coach Darrick Gibbs on the redshirt junior’s play.
“She was great. It got to the point where everything that we ran was for her,” said Gibbs. “One of her best games of the year by far.”
Sierra Shepherd also had double-digits in scoring with 10 points and six rebounds. These two were the only Ospreys in double-digit scoring.
The Bisons started the final quarter with three consecutive three pointers giving them a one point edge over the Ospreys, 46-45.
Free throws really hindered the Ospreys, going 6-15 from the free throw line and missing pivotal free throws during the final quarter. Gibbs said there was opportunities left behind.
“That’s free points, and we left [missed] nine in a two point game,” said Gibbs
Late in the fourth, a Bison made a shot as she was fouled giving the Bison a 60-58 lead.
With less than five seconds on the clock, Brown attempted a shot from almost half court but could not net the shot. Her efforts weren’t enough and the Ospreys lost the game 58-60. This was Lipscomb’s first ASUN win.
“There were a lot of things that we did throughout the game that kept them in it,” said Gibbs, “They beat us at what we wanted to play.”
Next North Florida will face Kennesaw State at 7 p.m. on Jan, 23 in the UNF Arena, as they continue ASUN play.
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