FLORENCE, Ala. (January 10, 2026) – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team secured its first Atlantic Sun Conference win of the season Saturday afternoon in a 67-52 victory over Bellarmine in CB&S Bank Arena.
The Lions (6-9, 1-3 ASUN) were back to their winning ways in "The Bank," leading wire-to-wire.
A solid opening half gave way to a massive third quarter for UNA to separate from Bellarmine (2-15, 0-3 ASUN). The frame proved the difference and led to North Alabama claiming its eighth-straight victory over the Knights.
The win also marked a career milestone for UNA head coach Candi Whitaker, as she registered her 250th career win.
Three double-digit scorers led the UNA offense in seniors Alexandra Alvarado and India Howard along with freshman Gabby Jackson. Alvarado and Howard tied the game high with 14 points, while Jackson chipped in 13 points to follow.
Jackson additionally served as the rebound leader with 12 boards to land her first-career double-double. Howard tied senior Jazzy Klinge for second with seven rebounds. Klinge was the leader in assists with five – tying her career high.
On defense, Jackson and junior Katie Criswell were the steals leader with three each. Jackson set a new career high with Criswell tying her personal best. Howard totaled the game high with three blocks.
HOW IT HAPPENED
FIRST QUARTER: UNA 17, BU 11
North Alabama opened with a quick run to set the tone from opening tip. UNA started on an 8-0 run to take the early advantage thanks to scores from sophomore Sofia Ceppellotti, Alvarado and Jackson. The Lions were active on the boards early, outrebounding the Knights, 13-6, with seven offensive rebounds. The defense also had active hands with six steals to keep Bellarmine at bay for the eight-point lead.
SECOND QUARTER: UNA 26, BU 23
Bellarmine outscored North Alabama, 12-9, in the second, but UNA still held its advantage after the first 20 minutes. The Knights worked back into the game, tying the score three times. The Lions responded with timely offense to quell the rally and maintain its lead into the halftime break. Jackson was the catalyst on offense with seven points in the quarter for the Lions.
THIRD QUARTER: UNA 51, BU 34
A big scoring quarter for UNA gave the Lions breathing room in the third. North Alabama's most efficient scoring period saw UNA outscore the Knights, 25-11, on 57.9 percent shooting. The Lions wasted no time by extending a three-point halftime lead to 13 — using a 12-3 run in the first three minutes. The offense continued pouring on points en route to a 51-31 lead with 30 seconds remaining in the frame. The stellar scoring quarter saw UNA take a 51-34 lead in to the final period. Five different Lions scored in the frame with Alvarado's eight points leading the way.
FOURTH QUARTER: UNA 67, BU 52
North Alabama saw the matchup out in the fourth with a sizeable lead. UNA maintained its double-digit lead to the game's end with timely offense and defense. Howard powered the Lions on offense with six points on 3-4 shooting, and she locked down defensively with a block along with Klinge. Three points from graduate Bukky Akinsola and freshman Brooke Hallman helped seal the home win.
UP NEXT
The Lions begin a two-game road trip to Jacksonville, Fla. next time out, opening at North Florida on Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. CT.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
