JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Dolphins (11-6) came back home to Swisher after a few games on the road to take on the Lipscomb Bisons (8-11) in their sixth ASUN match of the season. JU would take the home victory, 58-51.
JU started the first quarter with a 14-2 run as Lipscomb not only turned the ball over but missed some open shot opportunities as well. After calling a timeout in the first few minutes, the Bisons were able to climb back quickly as they would go on a 13-4 run themselves to finish out the first ten minutes.
The next ten minutes was a slower up and down battle between the Dolphins and Bisons, as the Bisons were able to capture a one-point lead for the first time in the game. It would only last for nineteen seconds as JU would capitalize on turnovers, scoring most of their thirteen points off turnovers. The half would close out with two made free-throws from Taylor Hawks to solidify a lead for the Dolphins going into the second half.
The second half went quite differently as the Dolphins would begin to build a lead in the third quarter. Jalisa Dunlap connected on two quick three-pointers to bring a seven-point lead for JU, a lead they would not give up for the remainder of the game. This was due to their ability to hold Lipscomb to just six points in the third by outrebounding and consistently causing turnovers no matter where it was on the court. It may sound like a broken record, but their defense is, by and large, the bread and butter of this team. This season has shown that as the game progresses and other teams lose some stamina, this JU squad gets stronger and locks down through the stretch.
Coach Darnell Haney believes that is who they are, "This is who we are...kudos to our group, they locked in defensively, especially in that third quarter only giving up six points." JU has now held opponents under 51 points in five straight games. Goal setting has been a key part of the mindset for this team, "we always set quarter goals, game goals, and hold each other accountable to meet those."
The Dolphins continue home as they take on Central Arkansas (7-10) on Saturday, January 29th at 1PM.
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