FLORENCE, Ala (January 22, 2026) – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team held strong Thursday evening in CB&S Bank Arena, extending a three-game win streak to four games with a 63-60 defeat of Queens in Florence, Ala.
North Alabama (9-9, 4-3 ASUN) continued its winning ways in "The Bank," staying hot to take a hard-fought battle against Queens (7-11, 1-6 ASUN). The Lions won their fourth-straight game in Atlantic Sun Conference play using a fast start and efficient offense down the stretch.
The four-game win streak is the longest in two seasons under Candi Whitaker and also the longest since the 2023-24 season.
UNA began fast with a near double-digit lead after one. A defensive second quarter saw the Royals close the deficit, but the Lions remained ahead after the halftime break. The third quarter saw the offenses come alive with North Alabama holding a narrow advantage. Big shots from UNA, along with key defensive stops, helped UNA in the win.
Three Lions finished in double figures in senior India Howard, sophomore Sofia Ceppellotti and freshman Gabby Jackson. Howard had a near double-double with 14 points to go with nine boards on the evening. Ceppellotti tied Howard for the team-high 14 points, and Jackson contributed with 12 points. The reigning ASUN Freshman of the Week had a near-double after tying Howard for the team-high with nine rebounds.
Senior Alexsandra Alvarado and junior Katie Criswell led UNA with a team-high four assists. Alvarado was a catalyst on defense with a season-high and game-high four steals. Howard rounded out North Alabama's game leaders with the team's lone block.
HOW IT HAPPENED
FIRST QUARTER: UNA 19, QUC 10
Things began quickly in the Bank as UNA rolled out to a nine-point lead after the first 10 minutes. The Lions had a 10-2 lead at the media break then stretched the advantage to 15-4 after seven minutes. North Alabama built its lead to as large as 19-6 before ending the quarter at 19-10. Ceppellotti (six points), Howard (5) and Alvarado (4) got going early in the scoring department with the Lions also sharing the ball well with six assists. North Alabama's defense also set the early tone with three steals in the period.
SECOND QUARTER: UNA 25, QUC 20
Only 16 points were scored between both teams in the frame, but North Alabama still held on to its advantage. UNA's defense continued to stand tall by limiting Queen's offense to 20 percent shooting (4-20) in the quarter. Three points each from Alvarado and Howard also provided the Lions offense in the period.
THIRD QUARTER: UNA 43, QUC 41
The script flipped from the previous period as a defensive second quarter gave way to an offensive third quarter. Thirty-nine points were scored by both teams, but the Lions still remained on top after three. Queens rallied to tie the scoreline twice in the period: once at 37 and the other at 41. North Alabama responded each time with timely scores behind an efficient scoring period for UNA, shooting 7-14 for 50 percent.
FOURTH QUARTER: UNA 63, QUC 60
The action picked up for the final 10 minutes inside "The Bank." The opening minute and a half saw the Royals gain their first lead after two-made free throws and a score off a UNA turnover. Queens gained its biggest lead at 46-43 before North Alabama responded with a 5-0 run to take the lead back at 48-46. The Royals gained a second lead at 50-48, but the Lions had another answer with a 10-4 run with less than four minutes remaining. UNA had big shots in the last four minutes, including a three-pointer from Jackson and a fast-break score from Ceppellotti. Key free throws from Alvarado and Howard also proved the difference as UNA held onto a 63-60 lead with 44 second left. The Royals were able to get the ball for the last possession but missed a three-point attempt to seal North Alabama's win.
UP NEXT
The Lions return to CB&S Bank Arena next time out on Thursday, Jan. 29 to host Stetson at 6 p.m.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
