JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville University women's basketball team wrapped up their weekend series with FGCU Sunday afternoon at Swisher Gymnasium. The Dolphins (3-14, 1-11) had an upset on their minds and were able to keep pace with the Eagles (19-2, 12-0) through the first 20 minutes, but FGCU was able to pull away in the third quarter and go on to win 87-58.
 
The day began with FGCU scoring the first four points of the contest before MaKayla Edwards knocked down a jumper to get the Dolphins on the board. Alexis Pierce tied things at four moments later with a jumper of her own before things picked up and FGCU was able to jump back ahead 11-6. DeShari Graham got the Dolphins back even at 12 as she went on a 6-0 run by herself around the four-minute mark in the period. Jacksonville briefly retook the lead at 15-14 near the end of the first following a pair of free throws from Alexis Pierce. The lead changed hands once more just before the end of the quarter with the Eagles hitting a pair of shots in the final minute to make it 18-14 after 10 minutes.
 
JU continued to pace FGCU in the second quarter, matching the Eagles nearly point for point. An Alexis Pierce jumper at 8:01 made it a one-point game at 20-19 before the visitors pushed their advantage back to seven near the six minute mark. Pierce and Ashley Malone led the charge by JU to whittle away at the deficit and get within one again with two minutes to go on a transition layup by the freshman Malone. After FGCU hit a three with 79 seconds to go to make it 32-29, Pierce created an opportunity off the dribble with 16 seconds left to hit a three with the shot clock winding down to even the game. FGCU was able to score on a layup moments later to lead 34-32 going into the intermission.
 
For the second day in a row, FGCU used the third quarter to distance themselves from JU to lead 65-43 after 30 minutes. The Eagles scored 31 in the third stanza of the afternoon while holding the upset-minded JU offense in check. Malone was able to connect on a pair of three's in the quarter that also saw Da'Nasia Shaw connect on a runner down the lane.
 
Shaw opened the fourth quarter with her first three-pointer of the season as the Dolphins continued to battle and stay with the Eagles in the final period of the day. Malone scored seven in the quarter and Edwards also connected on a late three but the Eagles managed to maintain their lead and wrap up the 87-58 win.
 
The Dolphins finished the game in double-figures, led by Malone with 19 points, surpassing a career-best mark of 17 from opening day back in November against Miami (FL). Pierce finished with 15 points and six rebounds while Graham posted 10 points.
 
Up next for Jacksonville, Kennesaw State comes to Swisher Gymnasium next weekend for the final two home games of the season. Tip-off Saturday February 27 is set for 1 PM.