Jacksonville University was able to get the 69-59 win over North Florida thanks to their physical play.

JU jumped to an early 12-3 lead and did not look back, leading the entire game.

Tesh Hanson had a team-high 12 points. At one point in the first half, Hanson made three straight Osprey field goals.

Sierra Shepherd, who announced that she would be graduating early, hit a three pointer at the third quarter buzzer to bring the score 51-45 in JU’s advantage. Shepherd had a great all-around game. The guard had 10 points, five rebounds and a game-high eight assists.

The Ospreys had trouble penetrating JU’s defense. The Dolphins played very physical against North Florida.

During the final quarter, UNF played relentlessly as they closed the scoring gap. The Ospreys made a lay-up tying the game for the first time at 55.

North Florida went cold after tying the game at 55. UNF would go almost five minutes without a field goal.

Despite UNF making more shots than JU and having 23 more points off the bench, JU was still able to win. 

During the final minutes Claire Ioannidis and Simone Brown both fouled out of the game. Ioannidis had five points and three assists, and Brown had nine points three rebounds.

JU was able to extend their lead again, winning the game 69-59.
Next, UNF will go to Fort Myers to face the FGCU Eagles on Mar. 3 in the ASUN quarterfinal at 7 p.m.

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