JACKSONVILLE (January 15, 2026) – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team defeated North Florida for a 56-54 victory on Thursday night in the first of two Atlantic Sun Conference road bouts this week in Jacksonville, Fla.
The conference bout was a defensive affair with both teams battling to the final possession. UNA (7-9, 2-3 ASUN) began with an efficient opening period, but the Ospreys (6-10, 1-4 ASUN) responded with a solid second quarter. North Alabama held a narrow advantage after the first 20 minutes.
The Lions began the second half like the first, using efficient scoring en route to a momentum-shifting frame. UNA held a near double-digit lead heading into the fourth, but a late UNF rally cut the advantage to two points in the final period. North Alabama made the play of the game with a late block from sophomore Sofia Ceppellotti with three seconds left. UNF was unable to score in the final seconds.
This marks the second straight win in ASUN play for UNA and also marked the sixth-straight win over the Ospreys.
North Alabama's offense was led by double-digit scorers Katie Criswell, India Howard and Alexsandra Alvarado. Criswell finished with a game-high 16 points on 6-11 shooting (54.5 percent). She added two three pointers and two made free throws for her first game leading the team in points. Howard totaled 12 points on 6-9 shooting (66.7 percent) while Alvarado registered 11 points.
Ceppellotti had a near double-double, leading the game with 10 rebounds to go with nine points. Howard tied the team high in assists with four along with senior Jazzy Klinge. Alvarado provided defensive plays with a team-high three steals, and Howard patrolled the paint with a team-leading three blocks.
HOW IT HAPPENED
FIRST QUARTER: UNA 19, UNF 12
A 61.5 percent shooting period for North Alabama began the contest with UNA on top. A good start from the Lions was countered by a run from the Ospreys, giving way to North Alabama finishing the period on an 8-0 run. North Florida gained its first lead at 12-11 before the quarter-ending run for a UNA seven-point lead. Six Lions contributed to the offensive start with Howard leading the way with six points.
SECOND QUARTER: UNA 32, UNF 28
A stronger quarter from North Florida led to North Alabama holding a four-point advantage at the halfway point. UNA's Alvarado (six points) helped weather the Ospreys' rally in the period along with Criswell (3), Jackson (2) and Howard (2).
THIRD QUARTER: UNA 49, UNF 41
The third quarter provided UNA some breathing room with a 17-point quarter for the Lions. North Alabama gained its largest lead in the frame, outscoring North Florida 13-6 run seven minutes in. Big scoring quarters for Criswell (seven points) and Ceppellotti (6) sparked the production en route to an eight-point lead heading into the fourth.
FOURTH QUARTER: UNA 56, UNF 54
A second rally from North Florida forced the game into a tight contest late. The period was a defensive battle with only three combined made baskets in open play. North Alabama's most important offensive basket came with UNA leading 53-52 at the 2:05 mark. Criswell scored a clutch driving layup to give the Lions the four-point lead. The defensive play of the game came with three seconds left as Ceppellotti blocked the Ospreys' Alexa Washington layup attempt. Ceppellotti and the Lions held strong on a last-ditch attempt by North Florida to claim the road win.
UP NEXT
The Lions continue the road trip Saturday, Jan. 17 in a 1 p.m. CT matchup at Jacksonville.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
