CONWAY, Ark.— The Jacksonville Dolphins (6-11, 1-3) men's basketball team embarks on another road trip this week, beginning Thursday at the University of Central Arkansas and continuing Saturday at the University of North Alabama. The Dolphins recently completed their first back-to-back home games of the season, building momentum after going 1-1 with a win over West Georgia.
Jacksonville is coming off a decisive 75-43 victory over the Wolves prior to the road trip. The 75 points scored marked the Dolphins' highest offensive output in ASUN play this season, while their defense held the Wolves to the lowest point total in their Division I history. Chris Lockett Jr. paced all scorers with 18 points, tying his career high. Jason Thirdkill Jr. added 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, while also contributing four steals.
Jacksonville Men's Basketball vs Central Arkansas
Thursday, January 15th | 7:30 PM EST | ESPN+ | 1010XL
About The Bears
During conference play, Central Arkansas (7-10, 2-2) ranks fourth in scoring offense, averaging 82.8 points per game. The Bears are also fourth in three-pointers made, connecting on 45 total and averaging 11.3 makes per game. Nationally, they rank 10th in three-pointers attempted per game with 32.8. Central Arkansas leads the ASUN in offensive rebounds, pulling down 13.3 per game, and is tied for the conference lead in assists, dishing out 18 per contest.
Camren Hunter and Ty Robinson are the Bears' top performers. In ASUN play this season, Hunter is averaging 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, while ranking third in the conference in minutes played at 36.3 per contest. Robinson, playing 32.3 minutes per game in conference action, averages 20.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Together, they have combined for 11 steals and four blocks during conference play.
The rest of Central Arkansas's starting five in ASUN play includes Javion Guy-King, Luke Moore and Malchiah Marable, each averaging over 24 minutes per game. Guy-King contributes double-digit points and 5.3 rebounds per contest. Moore leads the Bears in steals, while Marable ranks second on the team in offensive rebounds.
History Against UCA
The Dolphins and Bears have a one-sided rivalry dating back to 2022, with Jacksonville winning all six meetings in program history. Most recently, the Dolphins swept the Bears in 2025, winning by an average margin of 12.5 points. On February 13th, Jacksonville claimed a 77-62 victory, with Chris Arias contributing 10 points in 26 minutes on 4-of-8 shooting.
The Bears have averaged 61.8 points per game against the Dolphins in the six matchups.
Jacksonville Men's Basketball vs North Alabama
Saturday, January 17th | 3:00 PM EST | ESPN+ | 1010XL
About The Lions
North Alabama (6-9, 1-3) is anchored by a strong defense, currently ranking fifth in the conference in total defense at 75.8 points allowed per game. The Lions are fourth in the conference in blocked shots, averaging three per game during conference play and excel at creating turnovers, averaging eight steals per contest, the second-highest mark in the conference.
Canin Jefferson leads the Lions offensively, averaging 18.0 points, 3.5 assists and more than two steals per game in conference action. Jefferson has logged an average of 34.5 minutes over the past four games. Inside, Corneilous Williams provides a strong presence as he was unanimous selected to the All-ASUN Preseason Team. This season, Williams is averaging an impressive 12.4 points per game and 9.7 rebounds. He currently ranks second in the ASUN in total offensive rebounds.
Dallas Howell has started in all four conference games this season, and provides a consistent three-point threat for the Lions. His team-high 12 made three-pointers leads all Lions in conference play, and his 41.4% is good for second-best on the team. He also adds five steals and four blocks in conference play
The Lions were picked to finish first in the preseason ASUN media poll and were selected as runners-up in the coaches poll.
History Against UNA
The Lions hold an 8-4 advantage over the Dolphins, with the series split 3-3 since 2022. Jacksonville and North Alabama met three times last season, splitting the regular-season matchups before the Lions claimed a 78-63 victory in the ASUN Tournament semifinals.
Donovan Rivers averaged 24 minutes in the last two meetings with UNA. North Alabama finished as ASUN runners-up last season and took a trip to the NIT.
Seven of the 12 meetings between the two schools have been decided by two possessions or fewer, highlighting the competitive nature of the budding rivalry.
Dolphin Notes
Despite a significant offseason roster overhaul, Jacksonville remains one of the deepest teams in the country. The Dolphins rank 30th nationally in bench points per game and lead the ASUN with 32.9 bench points per contest.
The Dolphins currently sit at the top of the ASUN in total defense, giving up only 66.8 points per game in conference play. The next best team is a full six points behind the Dolphins.
Hayden Wood has made an immediate impact for Jacksonville, averaging over 20 minutes per game along with 8.1 points and 3.4 rebounds. Wood is also a consistent threat from beyond the arc, ranking second on the team in three-pointers made. He is one of only two Dolphins to start all but one game this season, and the only freshman to do so.
Jacksonville lost over 75% of its minutes from last years team, but has found significant contributions from senior guard Jaylen Jones. The transfer from Oakland has proved himself as one of the top scoring pieces for Jacksonville. Jones averages 10.6 points per game, on an efficient 49.5 percent from the field. He also leads the Dolphins in steals with 23.
Saturday's win against West Georgia snapped a six-game losing streak and an 0-3 start to conference play. The victory also moves JU to 4-1 this season in games at home.
