JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Every time Jakari Spence lines up at the free throw line, he touches a tattoo on his chest. On Thursday, that tattoo got plenty of love.
Spence dropped a career-high 20 points in JU's 88-67 win over Florida Tech. The guard's 20 points were a game-high and came on a 7-10 shooting night from the field.
He also hit all six of his free throws. His final two points on the game came from the charity stripe, where Spence hit his chest for the last time. He didn't know at the time how many points he had or what records he may have set for himself, only that he at least did something noteworthy on the night.
"I touch (my tattoo) and point to the sky because I know she is always watching over me," Spence said. "I just love that as a routine. Thank you to my coaches and my teammates for believing in me. I am happy we got a win."
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a slow first half where JU led just 38-33, the Dolphins put up a 50-point second quarter to grab the victory.
Outside of Spence, three other Dolphins put up double-figures with most of their scoring coming in the game's final 20 minutes.
Robert McCray V dialed it up in the second half and ended with 17 points on 6-9 shooting. He also grabbed four boards and dished out six assists and over a three-minute stretch in the second half went on a 10-0 run by himself.
Stephon Payne III hauled in seven rebounds to go with 14 points. Fellow big Donovan Rivers joined in on the career-night Spence was having by setting a career-record of his own. The sophomore scored a career-best 11 points in 16 minutes of play, going 5-8 from the field.
Spence was close to his first career double-double, finishing with eight assists and just on turnover.
"Only having one turnover is big for me," Spence said. "I started off the season and was kind of rough turning the ball over. That is not what I do. (Tonight) I got back to what I do and made the right plays. Things were falling in place for me."
He played 29 minutes, second best on the team, and is consistently the engine that both drives the team while also helping to maintain the team's composure. That could not have been more true against the Panthers.
"I just think I am a leader," Spence said. "Whatever it is, the guys trust me and follow me. Coach (Jordan) Mincy knows I got us. I love being the leader, being the point guard. It is a great opportunity coach Mincy gave me to come here."
JU's win comes on the heels of a lopsided loss at Georgia and helps right the ship for the 'Phins before a road test at FAU next week.
To the graduate guard Spence, he doesn't care if he doesn't score another point this season. As long as the winning streak keeps going, he will be happy.
"I am happy we got a win at the end of the day," Spence said. "I don't care if I have zero points. If we win, I am OK."
Game Notes
- Jacksonville never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
- Jacksonville tallied 19 total assists in the game.
- Jacksonville had a 37-33 edge on the boards in the win, its eighth time this season winning the rebounding battle.
- The Jacksonville defense forced 13 turnovers.
- Jacksonville got a team-high eight rebounds from Kendall Munson, who also added nine points.
- Maximus Fuentes played his first minutes of the season and also scored his first collegiate bucket at the free throw line.
- Tito Deng hit a three-pointer for a second consecutive game.
Coach's Comments
Next Up
Jacksonville next travels to Boca Raton to face the Florida Atlantic Owls on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
