FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Jacksonville women's basketball team took down 10-seeded Bellarmine 79-62 to progress to the Atlantic Sun Championship Quarterfinals. 

 A dominant 33-18 performance in the third quarter separated the Dolphins in the second half and pushed JU to victory. Edyn Battle and Jalisa Dunlap orchestrated a formidable offensive display, combining for 19 points in the quarter to boost the Dolphin's score. Battle notched 10 points, while Dunlap contributed nine. Alongside this scoring surge, the Dolphins widened their lead by drawing 21 second-half fouls, converting 19-of-25 attempts from the charity stripe. 

ASUN Newcomer of the Year and First Team All-ASUN honoree Edyn Battle, tallied her 15th game with at least 20 points this season with a 24 point performance. She added, three assists, and shot 80% from the free-throw line, and 52% from the field. The junior's mid-range prowess proved unstoppable, with the majority of her 24 points coming from around the free-throw line. 

Jalisa Dunlap, another pivotal player in the match, notched 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds, falling just shy of her first double-double of the season. Her clutch three-pointers in the third quarter propelled the Dolphins further ahead of the Knights. Despite early foul trouble, ASUN All-Freshman Team member Saniyah Craig contributed 14 points and six rebounds, she shot an efficient 4-of-5 from the free-throw line. 

The first half witnessed seven lead changes, with both teams engaged in a high-scoring battle. Points in the paint, points off turnovers, and bench points remained evenly matched. Although the Knights led for the majority of the half, by as much as five points, the Dolphins executed effective teamwork, and tallied seven assists to keep pace with their opponent. The game started with the Bellarmine Knights securing early baskets, gaining a 4-2 lead by the eight-minute mark. However, Battle and Zaria Blake quickly turned the tide, scoring four consecutive points to put the Dolphins ahead 6-4. Saniyah Craig's inside scoring tied the game at 9-9, followed by a clutch mid-range jumper from Battle, giving the Dolphins their first lead at 10-9. The Dolphins maintained a narrow lead of 12-11 by the end of the first quarter.  

A fluid performance by Edyn Battle in the second quarter kept the Dolphins within distance. JU tied the game at 16-16, and Battle showcased her offensive repertoire, sinking multiple mid-range jumpers to counter the Knights' scoring efforts. Despite the Knights' attempts to pull away, the Dolphins responded with timely baskets. The half ended in a deadlock at 28-28, with both teams evenly matched. 

The Dolphins gained momentum in the third quarter, led by Battle and Dunlap, who combined for 19 points. A strong start saw the Dolphins take the lead early, and Saniyah Craig's hustle play extended their advantage. Back-to-back three-pointers from Kyshonna Brown and Dunlap increased the Dolphins' lead to 38-34. Despite an attempted rally from the Knights, the Dolphins maintained their composure and executed their offensive sets effectively. A decisive 10-2 run towards the end of the quarter gave the Dolphins a commanding 61-46 lead. 

In the final quarter, the Dolphins extended their lead to the largest margin of the game at 71-52. Battle continued to lead the charge, while Dunlap, Craig, and Garrett contributed crucial points to thwart any comeback attempts by the Knights. Despite a late surge from Bellarmine, the Dolphins secured a comfortable 79-62 victory. 

Coach's Comments 

 Up Next 

The Dolphins face Florida Gulf Coast tomorrow, March 9, in what promises to be an intense matchup. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+. 

  Notable Numbers 

• The Dolphins scored 33 points in the third quarter. 

• Sana'a Garrett achieved a career-high with nine points, five rebounds, and four assists, shooting 5-for-6 from the free-throw line. 

• Kyshonna Brown contributed eight points and five rebounds. 

• Zaria Blake chipped in with six points and five rebounds.