JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — In a game defined by runs and resilience, the Jacksonville Dolphins used a dominant fourth-quarter performance to pull away from a gritty North Florida squad and secure a 79-71 victory in an ASUN Conference women’s basketball matchup Friday night at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

The Dolphins, who improved to 20-8 overall, closed the game on a decisive 17-9 surge over the final five minutes to finally subdue the Ospreys, who fell to 9-20. The win completed a regular-season sweep for Jacksonville, which had also won the first meeting 58-52 on Feb. 14.

The most critical phase of the contest arrived in the final period after North Florida, which had trailed by as many as 13 points, clawed back to tie the game at 62-62 with just over six minutes remaining. The Ospreys’ surge was fueled by a relentless effort on the offensive glass and timely three-point shooting, erasing what had been a comfortable Jacksonville lead.

However, the Dolphins responded with the game on the line. With the score knotted, Jacksonville’s Makiya Miller, who finished with a game-high 22 points, ignited the final push. She assisted on a Bailey Burns layup and then, after a North Florida turnover, found Priscilla Williams for another basket inside. This quick four-point spurt forced an Ospreys timeout and shifted momentum permanently back to the home side.

Jacksonville’s defense, which forced 24 turnovers and recorded 13 steals, tightened in the closing minutes. The Dolphins consistently generated points off North Florida’s miscues and controlled the pace, methodically extending their lead at the free-throw line. Jacksonville attempted 26 free throws, making 18, while North Florida went 10 for 15 from the stripe.

The game was a tale of contrasting efficiencies. While both teams had 83 possessions, Jacksonville’s offensive execution proved superior. The Dolphins shot 45.2% from the field (28 of 62) and held North Florida to 37.7% shooting (26 of 69). The Ospreys compensated with volume, attempting 24 three-pointers and making nine, and by crashing the boards for 17 offensive rebounds, which led to 18 second-chance points.

Miller’s all-around performance for Jacksonville included five assists and was complemented by key contributions across the roster. Aniah Smith scored 14 points, Bailey Burns added 13, and Priscilla Williams chipped in 10 points and solid interior defense.

North Florida was led by Jamisyn Stinson’s 20 points, while Alexa Washington scored 13 and Dezuray McGill added 12 points and two blocks. The Ospreys showed significant fight, particularly in the third quarter where they outscored Jacksonville 25-23 to stay within striking distance.

The first half established a back-and-forth rhythm, with Jacksonville taking a 30-24 lead into halftime. The Dolphins built their advantage with a 13-2 run spanning the late first and early second quarters, capitalizing on a stretch where North Florida managed just one field goal over nearly six minutes.

Despite the loss, North Florida’s effort marked an improvement from its recent form, staying competitive against a Jacksonville team that entered the game with a 96% probability of winning according to Interstat’s ELO system. The Dolphins, however, showcased the poise of a 20-win team when it mattered most, executing in the final minutes to secure the victory in front of 498 fans.

The game was the regular-season finale for both teams as they now look ahead to the ASUN Conference tournament.