FLORENCE, Ala. (December 27, 2024) – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team faces the Bethel Wildcats in CB&S Bank Arena on Saturday afternoon, concluding the nonconference schedule with a 2 p.m. matchup.
The Lions are back in action following the Christmas break, looking to head into the new year with one final victory before 2025. UNA faces the Wildcats in search of its first win in four games, coming off a 78-70 road defeat at Denver before the holiday break. North Alabama meets Bethel for the first time in almost 30 years with hopes of building momentum before Atlantic Sun Conference play.
Saturday's game is free admission to all fans. It will also serve as UNA's annual "Youth Day."
The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with "Voice of the Lions" Benjamin Ray and Matt Daniels on the call. 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 1:40 p.m.
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. Bethel
Date: Saturday, December 28
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Florence, Ala.
Venue: CB&S Bank Arena (Flowers Hall)
Promotions: Youth Day
Watch: ESPN+ ("Voice of the Lions" Benjamin Ray and Matt Daniels)
Listen: WLX 98.3 / 103.5 FM (Bryan Neece)
Live Stats: StatBroadcast
Social Media: @UNAwbb
NOTES
LAST TIME OUT: UNA Women's Basketball dropped a 78-70 duel to the Denver Pioneers, falling in its last road non-conference matchup of the season. Senior Charity Gallegos and juniors Cameron Jones and Jazzy Klinge all finished in double figures.
SCOUTING THE LIONS: In 10 nonconference games, North Alabama has held advantages in team field goal, three-point and free throw percentage over its opponents. The Lions are also winning the boards, out-rebounding opponents 411-356. UNA has a 40.7 shooting percentage from the floor and a 32.7 percent clip from deep, while opponents are shooting below 30 percent behind the arc. UNA is also shooting 70.2 percent from the line.
SCOUTING BETHEL: The Wildcats face the Lions looking to extend their perfect start to the season. Bethel enters with a 12-0 record at the NAIA level, currently atop the Mid-South Conference along with undefeated conference members Campbellsville and Freed-Hardeman. Last time out, Bethel extended its win streak in a 77-60 road victory on Dec. 14 at Life University. The Wildcats returned nine players from the 2023-24 season and added seven freshmen. Bethel brought back three starters and seven players contributing in at least 14 games. The head coach is Chris Nelson in his 13th season.
SERIES HISTORY: North Alabama and Bethel will face off for the ninth time on Saturday, but for the first time since the 1996-97 season. UNA leads the series, 6-2, and were victorious in the last matchup — an 84-52 result. The Lions will look to win their third-straight game against the Wildcats. Bethel's last win over UNA came in 1995.
BOUND FOR REBOUNDS: The Lions are first in the ASUN in total rebounds, averaging 41.1 per game. UNA is also in the top three in offensive and defensive rebounds along with rebounding margin. North Alabama holds the top spot in rebounding margin (+5.5), is second in offensive rebounds (13.3 per game) and third in defensive rebounds (27.8 per game). UNA's effort on the glass is also just outside the top 50 teams nationally, ranking 55th in rebounds per game and 61st in defensive rebounds per game.
DOUBLE TROUBLE: North Alabama has had two players finish with double-doubles on the season in juniors Alyssa Clutter and India Howard. Howard nabbed the first double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds against Cumberland, with Clutter following with a 14-point, 11-rebound outing at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
CHARITY'S CASE: Charity Gallegos leads North Alabama in scoring, averaging 11.8 points per game while ranking 15th in the ASUN. Gallegos has also been the primary playmaker for the Lions, averaging the fourth-most assists in the ASUN with 3.9 per game. Gallegos secured a game-high nine assists against Alabama A&M on Dec. 17 – her highest single-game total for North Alabama and one shy of her tying career high.
HOWARD HOLDS IT DOWN: India Howard has had a knack for blocking shots, enforcing her defensive presence with 10 blocks in 10 games. She's currently in a three-way tie for fifth in the conference in the category.
KATIE'S KEEN ON DEFENSE: Sophomore Katie Criswell has also provided rim protection from the guard position, with Criswell 15th in the ASUN in blocked shots with five in nine games (0.6 per game).
SUPER CAM: Cameron Jones is having a career year in her third season, with the Broadview Heights, Ohio native averaging a career-high 9.7 points per game. She is having a career year from the free-throw line, tied for fourth in the conference at 81.3 percent. Jones secured a career-high 17 points in the Lions' road bout at Denver.
KLINGE DOING HER THING: Jazzy Klinge provides energy every time she steps on the court, with the forward showing her impact with effort on the boards. Klinge is currently 17th in the ASUN in rebounds per game (5.3).
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
