News Summary
On February 24, 2025, the Jacksonville University Men’s Basketball Team clinched a tight 59-55 victory over Eastern Kentucky, improving their overall record to 17-12. This win marks their third consecutive victory against EKU and solidifies their position for a chance at a home playoff game in the upcoming ASUN Championship. Standout performances from Robert McCray V and Zach Bell were crucial in this game, showcasing the team’s determination as they prepare for an important match against Stetson on February 26, which will also celebrate Senior Night for three graduating players.
Jacksonville’s Dolphins Take a Bold Step Towards Playoff Glory!
In an electrifying showdown on February 24, 2025, the Jacksonville University Men’s Basketball Team drove their way into the hearts of fans with a nail-biting 59-55 victory over Eastern Kentucky (EKU). With this win, the Dolphins have not only improved their overall record to a commendable 17-12 but also made a splash in the conference with a solid 11-6 record. The path to postseason play is looking brighter!
Consistency is Key
What’s particularly exhilarating is that the Dolphins’ triumph means they’ve completed a season sweep over EKU, achieving three consecutive victories against the Colonels. This continued success is a testament to the hard work and determination that the team has shown this season.
Hero of the Game
Standout player Robert McCray V put on quite the show, chalking up his first career double-double. With 15 points and a career-high of 10 rebounds, McCray was a force to be reckoned with, especially considering all his rebounds came on the defensive end. This stellar performance not only made him the leading scorer for the team but also showcased his pivotal role in keeping EKU at bay.
Adding to the stellar performance, Zach Bell played his part by contributing 12 points along with four steals and four rebounds. In the tense climactic moments, Bell’s crucial put-back shot propelled JU to a 56-53 lead, proving to be invaluable for the Dolphins as they crossed the finish line.
First Half Dominance
From the get-go, Jacksonville took control, leading for over 15 minutes during the first half. They only found themselves trailing for a mere 95 seconds during that period. At halftime, McCray was on top with nine points, while Jakari Spence was leading with five rebounds. The Dolphins’ defense was on point, holding EKU to a mere 35% shooting in the first half and a staggering 28% from three-point territory. All of this while committing only three fouls, resulting in the Colonels getting only three free throw attempts!
Rebounding Battle
Although Jacksonville faced a tough rebounding battle, losing 35-34, the victory broke a three-game losing streak, thus reviving spirits in the Dolphins’ camp. Following this victory, JU remains in contention for a coveted home playoff game in the upcoming ASUN Championship.
Looking Ahead
As they gear up for their next game against Stetson on February 26, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A victory against Stetson would guarantee Jacksonville at least a #4 seed in the ASUN Championship, securing a home playoff game that could be a pivotal turning point for the team.
The excitement doesn’t end there! This final regular season game will be played at 7 p.m. on February 26, a night that also marks Senior Night for JU’s three graduating players. As the anticipation builds, fans and players alike are keenly aware that every moment counts in this gripping season.
With determination and grit, the Jacksonville Dolphins are ready to make waves, and fans can’t wait to see what comes next!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Dolphins News
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville Dolphins Men’s Basketball
- Fox Sports
- Google Search: Jacksonville Dolphins basketball
- College Sports Wire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jacksonville University Basketball
- Jacksonville Dolphins News
- Google News: Jacksonville Dolphins news
