DELAND, Fla., – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team built a big early lead before holding off a late Stetson rally Sunday afternoon for a 70-65 ASUN Conference road win. The victory gives the Lions a 6-15 overall record with a 5-7 mark in league action.
The game flipped the script from the Saturday matchup between the same two teams. After trailing by 20 points in the first half, the Lions got within single digits before coming up short down the stretch.
On Sunday, UNA led by as many as 19 in the first half. A three-point basket by Jaida Bond gave the Lions a 28-9 lead with 8:27 remaining in the second quarter. Stetson closed the gap to 14 points before a three-pointer in the closing seconds by Alexis Callins gave North Alabama a 30-27 lead at the half.
UNA's struggles in the third quarter continued as the Hatters rallied. The Lions were outscored in the period for the 17th time this season as a 22-11 Stetson run cut the lead to 46-39 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Hatters got to within two points before Jade Moore connected on a three-point basket. After a defensive stop, Sakyia White followed with a basket in the lane to push the UNA lead to 53-46 with 6:58 remaining.
Stetson got within three late in the game when a three-pointer made the score 61-58 at the 1:14 mark. The Lions followed with a layup by Jaila Roberts and two free throws by Bond to regain a seven-point advantage in the final minute of play.
The home team got within three points two more times, but UNA was 6-for-6 from the free throw line down the stretch to seal the win.
Bond hit a trio of three-pointers and finished with a game-high 19 points to lead the Lions. Roberts added 13 points while White rounded out the top UNA scorers with 11 points.
Kiya Turner led Stetson (5-10 overall, 3-7 ASUN) with 18 points.
UNA will host Bellarmine on Feb. 20-21 to wrap up the home portion of the 2020-21 schedule. Tip-off times for both games are set for 2 p.m. at Flowers Hall.
