North Florida Basketball Triumphs Over Bellarmine in Second-Half Surge
In a thrilling Atlantic Sun Conference matchup, the North Florida women's basketball team delivered a commanding performance, pulling away in the second half to secure an 81-58 victory over the Bellarmine Knights on January 22, 2026. The Ospreys capitalized on Bellarmine's injury challenges, leveraging their pressure defense to dominate the game.
Second-Half Dominance
North Florida entered halftime with a 34-24 lead, thanks to a strong first-half performance from Jamisyn Stinson, who scored all 19 of her points in the opening 20 minutes. However, it was the second half where the Ospreys truly showcased their strength, using a 9-0 run to expand their lead to 20 points and never looking back.
Key Contributors
Kayce Hyman led the charge for North Florida, finishing just one point shy of her career high with 18 points. The sophomore forward also set a career-best by converting 10 free throws in 13 attempts. Ava Smith contributed 15 points, while junior forward Andrea Chiquemba added 12 points, including four 3-pointers.
Chiquemba's early triples kept the Knights within striking distance, but North Florida's balanced attack and relentless defense proved too much for Bellarmine to overcome. Seventy of the Ospreys' points came from either in the paint (52) or beyond the arc (18), showcasing their versatility on offense.
Bellarmine's Challenges
Bellarmine fought hard despite their injury issues, with senior center Patricia Sherrill and freshman center Haya Abdel Aal providing interior buckets. Abdel Aal distributed a career-high five assists, but the Knights struggled to contain North Florida's offensive onslaught.
The Knights were within eight early in the third quarter, but North Florida's defense forced numerous turnovers, leading to 36 points off miscues. Bellarmine's inability to sustain their effort in the second half allowed the Ospreys to comfortably secure the win.
Statistical Breakdown
North Florida's victory was a testament to their defensive prowess and offensive efficiency. The Ospreys' pressure defense disrupted Bellarmine's rhythm, leading to a high turnover count. Additionally, North Florida's ability to score in multiple ways—both inside and outside—made them a formidable opponent.
Team Performance
With the win, North Florida improved their record to 7-11 overall and 2-5 in conference play. The team's next matchup is against Jacksonville University on January 24, 2026, at 11:30 AM. Fans can tune in to 1450 AM/96.1 FM or watch the game live online.
Bellarmine's loss brings their record to 2-18 overall and 0-7 in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Knights will need to address their injury concerns and defensive strategies moving forward.
Looking Ahead
The North Florida women's basketball team's performance against Bellarmine highlights their potential as a contender in the Atlantic Sun Conference. With a balanced roster and a strong defensive identity, the Ospreys are poised for success in their upcoming games.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this matchup, with North Florida aiming to solidify their position in the conference and Bellarmine seeking to overcome their challenges and improve their record.
