FLORENCE, Ala. (December 16, 2024) – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team returns to action Tuesday, Dec. 17 with a home bout against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in CB&S Bank Arena. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.
Basketball is back in Florence after 12-days off, as the Lions face a second-straight instate foe after hosting Samford last time out. Alabama A&M looks to win in Florence for the first time ever, while North Alabama looks to avenge a 67-61 overtime defeat to Samford last time out. UNA is currently 7-0 at home against Alabama A&M all-time.
The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with "Voice of the Lions" Benjamin Ray and Matt Daniels on the call and Chase Glover as the sideline reporter. The game will also air on WLX Radio with Bryan Neece on commentary. Fans can listen on 98.3 or 103.5 FM in the Shoals or worldwide on the WLX App or website. The "Countdown to Tipoff" radio show begins at 5:40 p.m.
Season ticket are available by calling 256-765-5466 (LION) or by visiting this link.
Due to ongoing construction, the basketball parking plan will be revised for the 2024-25 season. Lots A and B will be in the parking lot directly below Flowers Hall. Lot A pass holders will have coned off spots near the staircase. Shuttles will be available to take fans up to the field house lot for entry into CB&S Bank Arena.
Lot C parking will be in the parking lot below the Mitchell Burford Science and Technology Building. Residential Students will have access into Lot C with their hang tags. The public can also park in this lot for $12. Parking at the Bill Jones athletic complex will be unavailable. However, this lot is available as a drop off area near the arena.
GAME INFO
Game: North Alabama vs. Alabama A&M
Date: Tuesday, December 17
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Florence, Ala.
Venue: CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall
Promotion: TVBA Night
Watch: ESPN+ ("Voice of the Lions" Benjamin Ray, Matt Daniels and Chase Glover)
Listen: WLX 98.3 / 103.5 FM (Bryan Neece)
Live Stats: StatBroadcast
Tickets: Click here
Social Media: @UNAwbb
NOTES
LAST TIME OUT: North Alabama faced in-state foe Samford in its last outing on Dec. 5, playing the Bulldogs to overtime in CB&S Bank Arena. The visitors stole the 67-61 win in the extra period, holding off a late UNA rally in the second half.
LIONS ON THE BOARD: North Alabama is in the top three of four statistical categories as a team, ranking among the best ASUN teams in rebounding, free throws and three-point shooting. The Lions lead the league in total rebounds with 41.8 per game, registering 334 on the season. UNA is also second in defensive rebounds with 28.8 per game, totaling 230. UNA is second in the conference with a 72.7 percent team free-throw percentage, also coming in third with a 35 percent three-point percentage.
CHARITY'S CASE: Senior guard Charity Gallegos leads North Alabama in scoring, averaging 11.3 points per game while ranking 16th in the ASUN. Gallegos has also been the primary playmaker for the Lions, averaging the sixth-most assists in the ASUN with 3.3 per game.
HOWARD HOLDS IT DOWN: Junior India Howard has had a solid start on the defensive end, enforcing the paint with her knack for blocking shots. Howard is sixth in the ASUN in blocks, averaging 1.1 per game with nine in eight games.
KATIE'S KEEN ON DEFENSE: Another conference leader in the ASUN, sophomore Katie Criswell has provided rim protection from the guard position. As of Dec. 16, she is 13th in blocked shots with five in eight games for a 0.6 per game average.
SUPER CAM: Junior Cameron Jones is having a career year in her third season, with the Broadview Heights, Ohio native averaging a career-high 9.2 points per game. She is also career year from the free-throw line, shooting at 90.9 percent.
SCOUTING THE LIONS: Rebounding has been a strong suit for North Alabama early in the season, leading the conference so far. Their effort on the glass is also among the top 50 teams in the country, ranking 36th in defensive rebounds per game (28.8) and 46th in rebounds per game. UNA has had double-digit finishers in total rebounds the past three games, led by Howard in two games and junior Alyssa Clutter with one.
SCOUTING ALABAMA A&M: The Bulldogs enter the contest at 5-3 on the season, coming off a 61-58 victory over Lindenwood last time out. Alabama A&M looks to extend the win streak to three games. The Bulldogs were picked to finish third in the SWAC Preseason Poll but currently leads all SWAC teams in overall wins. Alabama A&M has five wins, while no other SWAC school has more than two. The Bulldogs are led by three double-digit scorers — Kalia Walker, Lauryn Pendleton and Kourtney Rittenberry. Walker leads with 13.4 points per game. Alabama A&M's head coach is Dawn E. Thornton.
SERIES HISTORY: North Alabama and Alabama A&M will meet for the 17th time on Tuesday. The Lions lead 15-1, including a 7-0 record at home, a 7-1 record on the road and one neutral site win. The Bulldogs won their first in the series last season, taking a 70-57 win in Huntsville.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
