FLORENCE, Ala. – The University of West Florida women’s basketball team was unable to capitalize on a 20-point lead, as the Argonauts fell to North Alabama, 56-62, tonight in Florence, Ala. With the loss, UWF moves to 5-10 overall and 1-2 in Gulf South Conference (GSC) play. North Alabama is now 9-5 overall and 1-2 in the GSC.
UWF jumped out to an early six-point lead, as two free throws by senior guard Keaundrea Merriewether (Jacksonville/University Christian) made the score 8-2 with 16:40 left in the first half. Back-to-back free throws by junior Hanna Vette (Tarkio, Mo./Mineral Area CC) gave UWF a 12 point cushion, leading 23-11 with 7:17 remaining. The Argonauts built up an 18-point lead on a Merriewether layup with 4:45 remaining in the half. West Florida took a 16-point lead into halftime, up 31-15.
In the second half, the Argonauts advanced their lead to 20, as two jumpers by Sher'Ryan Scott (Fort Deposit, Ala./Wallace State CC-Selma) made the score 41-21, UWF, with 15:52 on the clock. North Alabama cut UWF’s lead down to 10, 41-31, with a free throw by Cierra Anderson at 12:17. The Lions continued to battle back and tied the game at 52-52 with 4:32 remaining. UNA took its first lead of the game, 56-54, on a layup by Nichelle Fillmore with 3:02 left in the game. UNA went on to score six of the last eight points to win the game, 62-56.
For UWF, three players recorded double digits in points. Scott led UWF with 17 points. Vette tallied 13 points. Senior Octavia Bearden (Tylertown, Miss./Southwest Mississippi CC) added 12 points and eight rebounds. Fillmore led UNA with 16 points, while Dana Jackson contributed 10 points and seven rebounds.
UWF will continue conference play on Saturday, as the Argos travel to Alabama-Huntsville. Game time is set for 5 p.m. live audio, video and stats will be available through links on GoArgos.com. For information on all UWF Athletics, visit www.GoArgos.com.
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