FLORENCE, Ala. (January 31, 2026) – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team claimed a massive win in CB&S Bank Arena on Saturday, defeating defending Atlantic Sun Conference champion FGCU with a 60-55 victory in Florence, Ala.
North Alabama (10-10, 5-4 ASUN) concluded the weekend in style, showing why "The Bank" is a tough place to play for opponents.
UNA rebounded from its close defeat to Stetson to soar to its second all-time win over FGCU (10-11, 6-4 ASUN). The competitive affair was a battle through three quarters, but the Lions' stellar fourth quarter proved key in the victory.
The win marked UNA's first over FGCU in Florence and the first since beating No. 23 FGCU in Fort Myers on Feb. 29, 2020 – a win 2,163 days in the making.
A slow start for the Lions gave way to UNA finding its rhythm as the game went on. A low-scoring first half set the tone for defensive fight much like the first meeting on New Year's Day. The second half saw the Lions build momentum to start the third, but the fourth quarter is where UNA showed its resiliency.
North Alabama saved its best for the final period, making plays on both offense and defense to outscore FGCU, 19-12. The Lions' effort on the boards also proved key, particularly with timely offensive rebounds to create extra possessions.
The trio of senior Alexsandra Alvarado, freshman Gabby Jackson and sophomore Sofia Ceppellotti led the efforts on the offensive end. Alvarado totaled the game high for a second-straight with 19 points on the night. Jackson tallied her sixth double-digit scoring outing with 14 points, and Ceppellotti totaled her ninth with 13 points.
Senior Jazzy Klinge and junior Katie Criswell also proved huge in the win. Klinge played the x-factor with a near double-double, stuffing the stat sheet with eight points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals. Where she proved most key is with her rebounding on offense, totaling five to help create extra chances for the Lions.
Criswell also contributed all-around with six points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal.
HOW IT HAPPENED
FIRST QUARTER: FGCU 9, UNA 5
A defensive opening period saw only 14 points combined from both teams. FGCU took the advantage early, but North Alabama's defense came to play by holding the Eagles to 37.5 percent shooting and 25 percent from three.
SECOND QUARTER: FGCU 23, UNA 20
The second was more productive on the offensive end, but the Eagles still maintained the advantage after the first 20 minutes. North Alabama began to find their shooting touch, outscoring FGCU, 15-14. The defense also began to make plays with five steals alone in the period.
THIRD QUARTER: FGCU 43, UNA 41
Another quarter outscoring the Eagles saw UNA trim FGCU's lead to only two points after three. Despite the Eagles shooting 61.5 percent in the period, free throws and three-point shooting helped the Lions cut more into the deficit. North Alabama's three scores from deep and four-made free throws made difference compared to FGCU's two made three-pointers and two-made shots from the charity stripe. Ceppellotti and Jackson started to come alive offensively with eight points each while Alvarado's five set up the deciding fourth quarter.
FOURTH QUARTER: UNA 60, FGCU 55
North Alabama scored the first five points within a minute of fourth starting, taking its first lead of the game at 46-43. A 4-0 run by FGCU put them back on top at 47-46, but a responding 5-2 UNA run put them back on top, 51-49. The Lions never trailed for the remainder of the period thanks to an explosive scoring display from Alvarado. Her 11 points provided spark on offense, with four points each from Klinge and Jackson also helping in fending off the Eagles' rally. Klinge's effort in rebounding came up clutch, totaling five to nearly equal FGCU's six total in the period. A key Jackson layup with 1:39 left extended UNA's lead to 57-52, as free throws dominated the final minute of action. Klinge's late two free throws essentially sealed the game to give the Lions the 60-55 victory.
UP NEXT
The Lions get set for their third-straight game in CB&S Bank Arena with a matchup vs. Austin Peay on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
