With one game left at Swisher Gymnasium this season, the Jacksonville Dolphins needed to end on the right note. With a 32-17 fourth quarter, JU saved its best act for last to end the home season in the best way. The Jacksonville women's basketball team defeated the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, 80-72 in a Senior Day showdown at Swisher Gymnasium. JU finishes the season 10-3 on its home court in the regular season.
On a night dedicated to the seniors, it was an underclassmen who led the way for the Dolphins (14-14, 8-8 ASUN). Sophomore forward
Saniyah Craig scored a career-high 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds --- both team highs --- to lead Jacksonville. She's recorded double-doubles in nine of her last 10 games.
Before the game, JU honored its six-player senior class:
Isamery Telleria,
Makayla Edwards,
Edyn Battle,
Julene Royale,
Jada Duckett and
Priscilla Williams. The Dolphins opened the game with an all-senior starting five to open the game for the first time this season.
"I was really proud of all of our seniors, especially getting to play in front of their families," Jacksonville head coach
Special Jennings said.
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Duckett and Battle opened the scoring in the first quarter, setting the pace for an all-offense first half. Jacksonville took the lead in the second quarter, as Battle buried a mid-range jumper from the top of the key. The Dolphins led with a minute left to play in the first half, the Eastern Kentucky scored to take a three-point lead at the break.
The Colonels jumped out to an early lead in the third quarter, ripping off a 13-3 run to push their lead to double digits. Jacksonville's defense dug in its heels, but Eastern Kentucky led by nine with a minute left to play. With under a minute to play in the third, Battle buried a mid-range shot to cut the lead to seven. And thus the run started.
Williams and sophomore guard
Sana'a Garrett splashed wide-open triples as Jacksonville picked up the pace offensively. In short order, the game was tied at 55. After the teams traded Craig took over for the Dolphins' offense. She bullied her way inside to tie the game at 59, then she cashed in a wide-open elbow jumper to take the lead. Williams and Battle scored to extend the lead, and then Craig drained her third triple of the night to give Jacksonville its largest lead of the game.
JU played keep away and clinically executed from the free throw line to stave off any last ditch Eastern Kentucky comeback, securing a perfect finale to the 2024-25 home slate.
Game Notes
- Four Dolphins scored in double figures: Craig, Battle, Williams and Garrett.
- Jacksonville dominated in transition, outscoring the Colonels 16-4 on the fast break.
- Craig set a new career-high in scoring for the second time this season, surpassing her previous high of 25 set against Queens on January 25th.
- Battle set a new career high with seven assists.
Head Coach Special Jennings
"Every team makes runs. They had six threes at the half, and we held them to just two the rest of the game. We gave a great effort, started playing our style of defense. When we play like that, we're really good."
Up Next
The Dolphins will close the regular season with a pair of in-state road trips. JU will travel to face the league-leading Florida Gulf Coast Eagles on Thursday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 PM.
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