Jacksonville, Fla. - The Jacksonville women's basketball team (5-13, 1-4) faced a 59-51 defeat against Eastern Kentucky on Thursday at Swisher Gymnasium. 

In a heated matchup between the Dolphins and the Colonels, there were seven lead changes and 14 steals for JU, setting the tone for the evening. As these teams made their mark in history, clashing for only the second time, the Dolphins rallied late, driven by a 12-point second half by Jalisa Dunlap and a commendable performance by Edyn Battle. Both Dunlap and Battle scored in double figures, providing the momentum and control JU needed late in the fourth quarter. With 5:27 left, EKU held a mere two-point lead, but the Colonels proved resilient, securing a 59-51 victory.

The Dolphins, leading the conference in steals, finished the night with 14, converting 34 points that ultimately wasn't enough. 

A gritty first quarter with back-and-forth scoring allowed the Dolphins to secure eight quick buckets against the Eastern Kentucky nine, just 5:37 into the game. Stern defense by JU led to a swarm offensive opportunities, resulting in a high 6-10 shooting from the field with two minutes remaining in the quarter. The efficient scoring helped JU maintain a four-point lead with one minute left, closing the quarter with a 15-13 for the green and white. 

The second witnessed an early 10-0 run by EKU, giving them a 23-15 advantage with 6:26 remaining. Just under four minutes into the period, Jada Duckett's athleticism earned her a rebound put-back, followed by a crafty midrange pull-up jumper by Battle, bringing the score to 19-23 with 5:26 minutes remaining. EKU attempted to pull away before the half, but the Dolphins resisted. Sanaiyah Craig and Battle provided a six-point swing, leaving JU down by just six before the halftime buzzer. 

An emphatic start to the second half by Dunlap brought her team within four points, ignited by a ferocious block (her fourth of the night) and a dagger midrange shot on the other end just seconds into the quarter. Dunlap's flurry continued as she knocked down two free-throws, narrowing JU's deficit to 32-30 with 7:08 on the clock. Despite the Phins' continued effort, the Colonels secured a 47-36 lead heading into the fourth. Dunlap, still on a roll, and a significant shot by Sana'a Garrett helped the Dolphins regain some ground, trailing by only two at 5:27. However, EKU responded with a 10-0 run, extending their lead to 12 points at 59-47 just two minutes later. Despite EKU establishing an eight-point lead, the Dolphins won the fourth quarter, sinking two of their three made three-pointers in the game during the final quarter. When all was said and done the green and white came up short after good efforts. 

UP NEXT 

JU will remain home come this Saturday January 27 to face Bellarmine. The game is set for 2 p.m. and will be broadcasted on ESPN+. 

NOTEABLE NUMBERS 

• Saniyah Craig finished with eight points and nine rebounds, just shy of her fourth double-double 

• Edyn Battle converted 12 points, and led JU with five steals 

• Jalisa Dunlap scored 12 second half points and added four blocks 

• Sana'a Garrett finished with four steals and seven points 

• Dolphins forced 23 EKU turnovers while scoring 16 points from them 

• JU recorded 34 paint points