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FLORENCE, Ala. (November 7, 2024) – The University of North Alabama men's basketball team hosted Point University and 3,000 screaming fans on Thursday morning inside CB&S Bank Arena, as the Lions soared past the Skyhawks 94-58 in the home opener.
CB&S Bank Arena was at full capacity for Elementary Day, as thousands of local elementary students from 14 different schools watched the Thursday matinee.
North Alabama (2-0) had four players in double figures led by sophomore guard Canin Jefferson with a career-high 14 points on 5-8 shooting overall and 2-4 behind the arc. All 14 points came in the second half. Junior Jacari Lane and senior Will Soucie and had 13 points each — 11 each in the first half.
While the sophomore, junior and senior did their thing, so did true freshman Kevin de Kovachich with 11 points in 16 minutes of action. He shot 3-4 from the field, made his only three-point attempt and went 4-4 from the line.
UNA continued its track record of success in non-conference home games, improving to a 27-3 record in such contests since moving to Division I in 2018.
Point (0-3) was led by Vince Graves with 15 points. This game counts for UNA but serves as an exhibition for the Skyhawks.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half: Point — fittingly — had the first points of the game. However, the lead changed three times early, but a layup by Jacari Lane put UNA back up 6-5. That would be the last time Point saw a lead, as UNA proceeded on a 13-2 run over the next four minutes to the under-12 media break. After going 15-29 behind the arc in the season opener, UNA duplicated those totals in first half field goals for a percentage north of 50 percent. Point shot just 9-30 for 30 percent and trailed UNA 42-26 at the break.
Second Half: The Lions outscored Point 52-32 in the second half and dominated from start to finish. The Lions had 11 players score in the second half, led by a combined 25 points from young guards Jefferson and de Kovachich. Senior Jamal Albritton, junior Blake Floyd and freshman Israel Jenrette also made the second half score sheet.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
The Lions are 51-26 in home games since moving to Division I.
The Lions shot 32-66 for 48 percent, while going 7-22 behind the arc for 32 percent.
The Skyhawks shot 21-61 for 34 percent and 7-23 from three for 30 percent.
UNA swatted six shots and did not have any shots blocked. Jenrette had three of the blocks, Albritton added a pair and Jefferson stuffed the other to stop an open drive up the middle.
In two games, UNA is outscoring opponents 26-7 on fast breaks. The Lions had an 18-7 advantage today against Point.
UNA won the boards 47-33 and converted 15 offensive boards into 21 second chance points.
UNA scored 24 points off turnovers and won the turnover battle 20-11.
UNA dominated the paint with a 48-28 advantage.
For the second straight game, UNA led for over 38 minutes.
COMING UP NEXT
The Lions continue a three-game home stand on Monday, Nov. 11 against UT Martin. Opening tip is set for 6 p.m. inside CB&S Bank Arena.
