DELAND, Fla. --- Jacksonville battled in an instant classic against the rival Stetson Hatters in the 58th all-time match-up in this series. The Dolphins fell 85-81, ending a nine-game winning streak.

Despite the loss, Jacksonville still clinched a spot in the ASUN Quarterfinal on March 5 at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena due to other results in the league.

Graduate student guard Priscilla Williams continued her historic season for the Dolphins, scoring 25 points in the game. She's scored at least 25 points in six different games this season. Sophomore guard Comari Mitchell starred alongside her veteran teammate, scoring a career-high 19 points.

The first half was a slow start for the Dolphins, with the Hatters keeping a lid on Jacksonville's offense in the first two quarters. JU scored just 26 points in the first half, 13 in each quarter, as the offense tried to find its rhythm.

As Stetson pulled away in the second quarter, Mitchell kept the game in striking distance. She scored nine points in the second quarter alone as the Dolphins went down 14 points into the halftime break.

The third quarter was a total change of pace for Jacksonville. In that one period, the Dolphins completely flipped the script with a 35-point explosion.

An early foul and free throws for Williams set the tone for an offensive fireworks show for Jacksonville. The Dolphins shot 71.4% from the field and 12-13 from the free throw line  in the third quarter.

Jacksonville marginally closed the gap, and senior Makiya Miller knocked down a triple to cut the deficit to two. With 2:11 left in the period, Mitchell drew a foul and scored a pair of free throws to tie the game at 53.

On the next possession, Williams rolled to the paint for a layup to put the Dolphins in front for the first time all night. A three-pointer from freshman Tatum Brown and another Williams layup put JU up as many as six points in the third, and it took a three-point lead into the final quarter.

A back-and-forth fourth quarter led to a tie game after a 7-0 Stetson run early. Williams couldn't be stopped in the paint, scoring inside again to put JU back in front. Five Hatters free throws put the hosts back in front with three minutes to play.

Brown cut the deficit to one, 73-72, with a jumper. But that would be as close as the game would get the rest of the way.

The Dolphins cut the deficit within a single score multiple times late, including a three from Mitchell to make it an 83-81 game with 14 seconds left. The Hatters would close it out from the free throw line to take the game.

Game Notes

• Williams is now second in the ASUN in scoring, averaging 15.9 points per game. In just ASUN play, she leads the league by nearly two full points per game (17.5).
• In addition to her career high, this was Mitchell's sixth game this season with double-digit points.
• Jacksonville has scored 80 or more points in nine games this season.
• The Dolphins currently sit in a three-way tie for second place in the ASUN standings.

Up Next
The Dolphins will host the North Florida Ospreys for Senior Day at Swisher Gymnasium this Friday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 PM. Tickets are available HERE.