FLORENCE, Ala. (February 21, 2026) – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team claimed an important win at home Saturday night with a 68-63 victory over Lipscomb in CB&S Bank Arena.
North Alabama (15-12, 10-6 ASUN) began a final postseason push against the Bisons (9-18, 6-10 ASUN), answering the call with a win in the first of three-straight home games to end the regular season.
A back-and-forth affair through three quarters, UNA used a solid fourth quarter to hold off the Bisons and gain its first win over Lipscomb in four seasons. Prior to tonight, UNA's last win over Lipscomb came on Feb. 14, 2022 in Nashville.
The win was fueled by four double-digit scorers for the Lions. Freshman Gabby Jackson led the way with 15 points, followed by 13 from junior Katie Criswell, 12 from senior Alexsandra Alvarado and 11 from sophomore Sofia Ceppellotti.
Alvarado had one of the key moments in the final frame, banking in a three-pointer with 37 seconds to go to extend a one-point advantage to a more comfortable 67-63 lead. Lipscomb was unable to answer.
Rebounding also played a key role with a season-high performance by the Lions. UNA grabbed 52 rebounds with 23 coming on the offensive glass, which helped create 18 important second-chance points en route to the home win.
Senior Jazzy Klinge totaled the team high with a career-high 13 rebounds. She totaled 10 offensive rebounds alone, which matched Lipscomb's team total for the game. Jackson landed her third double-double of the season with 12 boards – one short of tying her career high.
Criswell registered a team-leading five assists and two blocks, and Jackson secured two steals to round out UNA's leaders.
HOW IT HAPPENED
FIRST QUARTER: UNA 16, LU 14
North Alabama struck first with the lead after the opening period. Jackson's nine points in the quarter helped take the early advantage, going 4-5 from the field. UNA was able to get efficient baskets to start with 10 of its 16 points coming from the paint.
SECOND QUARTER: LU 36, UNA 31
A late Lipscomb run helped put the Bisons up at the half. Lipscomb shot 52.9 percent from the field and closed the quarter on a 7-2 run after tying the game at 29 points.
THIRD QUARTER: LU 49, UNA 48
The Bisons maintained their lead after 30 minutes, but the Lions began to build momentum with their most efficient scoring quarter. UNA outscored Lipscomb, 17-13, and shot 50 percent from the field. North Alabama's defense also did its part by holding the Bisons to 35.3 percent shooting.
FOURTH QUARTER: UNA 68, LU 63
Key plays form key players helped secure the Lions' win in the fourth. Alvarado had eight points on 3-5 shooting with Ceppellotti and Criswell contributing five and four points, respectively. Klinge also kept creating extra possessions with five offensive rebounds. UNA lead 64-63 late, and Alvarado all but clinched the win after a three-pointer at the 37 second mark extended the lead to 67-63. A late free throw from Klinge helped see the Lions win out over the Bisons.
COMING UP NEXT
North Alabama continues its home slate on Wednesday, Feb. 25 against Central Arkansas in CB&S Bank Arena.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
