JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The spell has been broken. After 11-straight setbacks, the Jacksonville University women's basketball team finally defeated Stetson, 69-49, at Swisher Gymnasium Saturday.

Backed by double-doubles by Christin Mercer and Sherranda Reddick, the Dolphins shot 53.8 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Hatters, 42-26. The duo each tallied 18 points, and Reddick grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds, one more than Mercer.

Jasmyn Brown tied her career-high with 16 points.

"Our play today was unique," said Mercer. "We showed our chemistry and our bond. We're a defensive team, and when you play defense well, the offense comes."

"Our teammates put us in the right spots [to score]," added Reddick. "Today was a good feeling, but we have our eyes on the championship."

At the end of the first quarter, Stetson held its largest lead of the game, 20-11.

The Dolphins used an 8-0 run to slim their deficit to one at the start of the second frame, and the teams began to trade baskets from there. 

From the 7:17 mark of the second quarter until the 2:36 mark of the third neither team was able to gain much separation. During the stretch, the Hatters led by as much as seven and the Dolphins five.

The contest was defined by Jacksonville's momentum swing after the 41-41 tie with 2:36 to go in the third. It was the fourth and final stalemate, and the Dolphins went on to outscore Stetson, 28-8, to close the game.

"We're defending like no other," said Head Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin. "The defensive game plan to start the game didn't work and that was my fault. We made adjustments in the second quarter and the girls did the rest."

Recording their ninth consecutive home win, the Dolphins improved to 14-7 overall and 6-0 in the Atlantic Sun.

"A win is a win, but this was a great win tonight," said Briona Brown who tabbed nine points, four rebounds, three assists and no turnovers in 26 minutes. "We made history tonight, and this was a great game to have under our belts.

"Now our thoughts and attention turn to Florida Gulf Coast."

Jacksonville visits the reigning Atlantic Sun champions FGCU Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

Tip-Ins

• Jacksonville wrapped the month of January 7-0, and are currently riding an eight-game winning streak
• Reddick played all 40 minutes vs. Stetson
• Three Dolphins scored in double figures
• There were four ties and nine lead changes in the game