North Florida Tops Women's Basketball, 66-49

Thursday, February 16

Jacksonville, FL

7 pm

Mercer University

North Fla.

2/16/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Ten different Mercer women's basketball players scored in a 66-49 loss to North Florida at UNF Arena on Thursday evening. Freshman Alicia Williams led the Bears with 12 points while sophomore Jasmine Blakemore chipped in 10.

With the win, North Florida improved to 11-16 (8-8 A-Sun) and clinched a spot in the A-Sun tournament while the Bears dipped to 4-22 (2-13 A-Sun) and were eliminated from contention in the league playoff.

With 11:08 to play in the game, the contest had already featured eight lead changes and seven tie scores when Mercer freshman drilled a jumper to even matters at 41-41. From that point on, UNF outscored Mercer 25-8 down the stretch to secure the victory.

Williams led the Bears in scoring for the third time this season, collecting her 12 points on five-of-15 shooting from the floor. She also tied for the team lead with six rebounds, sharing that honor with junior Shari Smith.

Blakemore scored eight of her 10 points in the second half and finished the contest three-of-five from the floor and four-of-four from the free throw line. The game marked the fourth time this season Blakemore has reached a double figure scoring total.

UNF sophomore Raneisha Lamar had her second double-double of the season with team-bests in points (14) and rebounds (13). Her rebounding effort helped UNF secure a 48-33 advantage on the glass.

In the early going, each team struggled offensively and played to an 8-8 tie in the first ten minutes. The stagnant offense was product of three-of-18 shooting for the Bears and seven turnovers for the Ospreys.

Mercer led 11-10 before North Florida went on a 13-3 tear fueled by six-of-seven shooting from the field. Mercer battled back with six-straight points before going to the locker room trailing 30-26.

Mercer freshman Tabitha Bradshaw drew first blood in the second half, burying a three from the wing on Mercer's first possession. Moments later, Williams stole the ball from a UNF guard and went the distance for a layup and Mercer's first lead since the 10:21 mark of the first half.

From there, the teams traded scores and Mercer led two more times before the aforementioned Bridges jumper that tied the game for the final time.

Mercer's 10 scoring contributors marked a season high for the squad. Previously, nine Mercer players had scored in the same game twice this season.

The Bears return to action in their final road game of the season at Jacksonville on Saturday. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.