JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After a quick turnaround following Saturday's game in New Jersey, the Jacksonville University women's basketball team strung together a solid first half but was unable to fend off a pesky Liberty team as a fourth quarter frenzy lifted the Flames to a 65-59 decision, Monday evening at Historic Swisher Gymnasium.

"We played hard; we had great effort and energy from everybody that was part of it," commented head coach Darnell Haney following the game. "Some defensive breakdowns late in the game hurt us, and some of the fundamental things on the offensive end – free throws and layups. We missed nine layups over the course of the game and if we made half of those, we win. The effort was there for three and half quarters, and the defensive execution was there; we have to make sure we capitalize on opportunities that we are given. I'm proud of the group for the way they fought and attacked the game plan, we just have to keep punching."

While they shot 50 percent (6-12) in the third quarter, the Dolphins (14-10, 6-5 ASUN) eventually cooled off in the fourth as Liberty snuck by to steal the game. Tied at 52 with 4:49 remaining in the game, the Flames (13-11, 6-5 ASUN) surged ahead as triple from Asia Todd capped a 10-0 run. A pair of made free throws from redshirt-freshman Erin Wilson (2:15) brought the Dolphins back within one, 55-54, before a three-pointer from freshman Da'Nasia Shaw compounded the late-game pressure to keep JU within three, 62-59 with 22 seconds remaining. The visitors ultimately finished 3-for-4 from the free throw line in the remaining seconds to extend their lead to the final 65-59.

Despite the outcome, the Dolphins regained their footing defensively and picked up eight of their 10 steals in the first half after being held to a season-low four this past Saturday (Feb. 8) at NJIT.
The Dolphins jumped out to a 7-3 run midway through the first quarter, but a 4-0 run by the Flames brought things even with 3:34 to go. Liberty's eventual 8-0 run was ended by a pair of made free throws from Shaw (2:25) to bring Jacksonville within three. Beating the shot clock on a jumper from the top of the key, senior Kiara Meeks tied the game at 13 but a three-pointer from Liberty's Emily Lytle gave the visitors a 16-13 lead at the first break.

Jacksonville controlled the second quarter and held an opponent to single digits in a quarter for the fourth-straight game as the Dolphins outpaced the Flames, 19-7. Jacksonville then caught a hot streak and used a nine-point run down the final 4:41 of the half to regain the lead. Meeks connected on four free throws (3:34, 2:48) and senior Mariah Batz (2:23) capped the run with her second three-pointer of the game to help the Dolphins to a 32-32 advantage at halftime.

While the teams traded baskets in the early parts of the third, it was the Flames who produced a 7-0 run to come within four, 41-37, with 2:54 on the clock. Redshirt-senior Shakayla Nevitt buried the next five points on a jumper (2:32) and an and-one (1:55) to extend JU's lead back to double digits and give the hosts a 49-41 lead going into the final 10 minutes.

Shaw (14 points, 5 rebounds) and Nevitt (12 points) finished the day in double figures, while Batz (9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals) and Meeks (8 points) also contributed in the effort. Additionally, Perry added a team-high nine boards and three steals for the Dolphins. For her efforts, Shaw earned Hodges Mazda Player of the Game.
 

Liberty saw five players reach 10+ points, as Keyen Green led the Flames with 13 points and Emily Lytle snagged five rebounds.

With seven days until their next contest, the Dolphins are looking forward to using that time to heal up injuries and prepare for the final five games of the regular season.

Noting the timing of his teams' off-weekend, Haney added, "It's extremely important. The mental and physical fatigue that goes on over the course of the conference season. Having that break can help us heal – we've had some people out with injuries – and it helps us fine tune ourselves and get better as players and as a team."

Now in a three-way tie for third place in the ASUN Conference standings with Liberty and North Florida, the Dolphins look to bounce back next Monday, Feb. 17 when they visit UNF for River City Rumble action at 7 p.m.