News Summary
The Jacksonville University Dolphins are poised for an exciting clash against the North Alabama Lions in the ASUN Tournament Semifinals. With both teams having split their season series, anticipation is high for a riveting rematch. The Dolphins, fresh off a comeback victory against Eastern Kentucky, are looking to stifle the Lions’ potent offense as they vie for a spot in the championship game. Fans can catch the intense action live on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. CST.
Excitement Builds in Florence as Jacksonville Dolphins Face North Alabama in ASUN Semifinals!
Florence, Alabama, is buzzing with anticipation as the Jacksonville University Dolphins prepare to clash with the North Alabama Lions in the ASUN Tournament Semifinals today. Fans are gearing up to witness thrilling basketball as both teams vie for a spot in the championship game.
A Quick Recap of the Season
This showdown promises to be electrifying, especially since the teams have split their season series, with each victorious on their home turf. In their first meeting back on January 16, the Dolphins edged out the Lions in a nail-biter, winning 64-60. That game was a defensive masterclass, with Jacksonville limiting North Alabama to just 60 points, along with an impressive defensive display that saw them keep the Lions 0-for-6 from deep in the first half. With 17 lead changes and seven ties, fans were on the edge of their seats throughout!
Fast forward to the rematch, where Jacksonville had a tougher time when they faced North Alabama without the star forward, however, this time it resulted in a 92-79 defeat. Despite the loss, guards Chris Arias and Zach Bell showcased their shooting prowess, combining to go 8-of-9 from beyond the arc. These performances have set the stage for a heated rematch.
A Look at Jacksonville’s Last Game
The Dolphins enter the semifinals full of confidence after a stirring comeback victory against Eastern Kentucky University, where they secured a solid 78-67 win. What made this game even sweeter was the return of forward Stephon Payne III, who had been sidelined for five games. His presence on the court adds a notable edge to Jacksonville’s lineup, making them an even tougher opponent.
Payne was instrumental during the last encounter with EKU, contributing significantly to the win, and his return couldn’t have come at a better time. Alongside him, teammate Zimi Nwokeji delivered another strong performance, and both players recorded double-doubles in their first face-off against North Alabama.
Analyzing North Alabama’s Dominance
On the other side, the North Alabama Lions are on a tear. Finishing the regular season with a fab 14-4 record, they are entering the tournament as the second seed in the ASUN Conference. The Lions have been on a hot streak, winning nine of their last ten games, which is no small feat. In their first-round playoff game, they dispatched Austin Peay in a commanding 90-64 victory, showcasing their strong offensive capabilities.
North Alabama boasts an impressive home record of 15-1 at the CB&S Bank Arena, with their only loss coming in overtime—by just one point—against Samford. Clearly, this is a team that knows how to win, especially in familiar surroundings. They average a whopping 80.1 points per game, which means Jacksonville’s defense will have its work cut out if they hope to contain the Lions this time around.
The Key to Victory
As the clock ticks down to game time, Jacksonville will be focusing on a crucial statistic: when they hold opponents under 70 points, they have an unblemished record of 9-0. This will be their strategy as they aim to stifle North Alabama’s high-scoring offense. The Dolphins know that keeping the Lions’ score low will significantly increase their chances of success.
The game’s tip-off is set for 6 p.m. CST, and fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or your couch, one thing is certain: this is a semifinal clash you won’t want to miss! Get ready for a night of basketball that promises to be packed with excitement, skill, and perhaps a little bit of drama!
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Additional Resources
- Roar Lions: Lions to Welcome No. 4 Jacksonville for ASUN Semifinal
- USA Today HSS: How to Watch Hoover High School vs Florence High School
- Times Daily: Florence Sports Rail
- MaxPreps: Basketball Recap – Florence’s Luck Takes a Turn for the Worse
- AL.com: Florence Star Jalen Chandler Right at Home
- Wikipedia: 2025 ASUN Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament
- Google Search: ASUN Basketball Tournament 2025
- Google Scholar: Jacksonville University Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- Google News: North Alabama Basketball
