Jacksonville University women’s basketball coach Special Jennings didn’t mind admitting something about her team’s performance on March 7 in an ASUN Tournament semifinal vs. Central Arkansas.

“It’s not always pretty,” she said.

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But that word “Jacksonville” that freshman point guard Tatum Brown slapped on the bracket in the locker room to signify the Dolphins’ advancement to the championship game at 5 p.m.on March 9 vs. Austin Peay sure looked good.

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) celebrates by hugging head coach Special Jennings after defeating Central Arkansas in the women’s ASUN semifinal at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) celebrates by hugging head coach Special Jennings after defeating Central Arkansas in the women’s ASUN semifinal at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Tatum Brown (2) and Jacksonville Dolphins guard Mychal White (1) celebrate after defeating Central Arkansas in the women’s ASUN semifinal at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Makiya Miller (24) drives to the basket under Central Arkansas Sugar Bears forward Laylah Reese (12) during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) drives to the basket under Central Arkansas Sugar Bears forward Bree Stephens (5) during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Makiya Miller (24) drives to the basket and through Central Arkansas Sugar Bears forward Julianna Gibson (2) during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Makiya Miller (24) comes up a with a loose ball during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins forward Carmaya Bowman (10) celebrates the win with teammates in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Tatum Brown (2) celebrates their win in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) yells “Duuvvaall” after winning in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) is congratulated by fans after defeating Central Arkansas in the women’s ASUN semifinal at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins head coach Special Jennings talks to her coaching staff in the this period again Central Arkansas in the women’s ASUN semifinal at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

during the third fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

during the third fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

during the third fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Central Arkansas Sugar Bears guard Shae Littleford (20) shoots over Jacksonville Dolphins guard Comari Mitchell (5) after knocking her to the court during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins head coach Special Jennings is congratulated by fans after defeating Central Arkansas in the women’s ASUN semifinal at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) shoots for two over Central Arkansas Sugar Bears forward Julianna Gibson (2) and Central Arkansas Sugar Bears forward Laylah Reese (12) during the third period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins head coach Special Jennings talks to her team during the third period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Central Arkansas Sugar Bears guard Cheyanne Kemp (4) is defended by Jacksonville Dolphins forward Carmaya Bowman (10) during the third period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins forward Carmaya Bowman (10) steals the ball away form Central Arkansas Sugar Bears guard Shae Littleford (20) during the third period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

during the third fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

during the third fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

during the third fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

during the third fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

during the third fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) dries through Central Arkansas Sugar Bears center Linda Amaning (25) during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Central Arkansas Sugar Bears guard Shae Littleford (20)an d Jacksonville Dolphins guard Bailey Burns (11) go after a rebound during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) wins the rebound from Central Arkansas Sugar Bears guard Cheyanne Kemp (4) during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) drives through Central Arkansas Sugar Bears forward Laylah Reese (12) during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville University head coach Special Jennings reacts to a call during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Makiya Miller (24) passes a loose ball to Jacksonville Dolphins forward Carmaya Bowman (10) during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins forward Carmaya Bowman (10) and Central Arkansas Sugar Bears guard Shae Littleford (20) collide during the during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Comari Mitchell (5) shoots two on a break away during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville University head coach Special Jennings coaches from the bench during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

JU fans cheer in the final second of the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Central Arkansas Sugar Bears forward Laylah Reese (12) is pressured by Jacksonville Dolphins guard Tatum Brown (2) during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Comari Mitchell (5) talks to JU head coach Special Jennings during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Tatum Brown (2) passes the ball of Jacksonville Dolphins guard Comari Mitchell (5) during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) celebrates with teammates after their win during women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

JU secured its spot in the finals for the sixth time in school history by beating the Sugar Bears 67-58 at the VyStar Veterans Arena. The Dolphins (23-8) have won 12 of 13 games and with one more victory can match the 2015-16 team, coached by Yolett McPhee-McCuin, which won the program’s only ASUN title and with it, a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Second-seeded Jacksonville is also one victory away from tying the school record set when they went 24-9 in 2017-18, which was the last time they made the ASUN Championship title game. The Dolphins lost to Florida Gulf Coast 68-58 that season.

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) celebrates by hugging head coach Special Jennings after defeating Central Arkansas in the women’s ASUN semifinal at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) celebrates by hugging head coach Special Jennings after defeating Central Arkansas in the women’s ASUN semifinal at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Austin Peay (19-12), the eighth seed, nailed down their first appearance in the ASUN Championship in three seasons in the conference by dispatching No. 4 Stetson 68-52. Five players scored in double figures for the Governors and they held the Hatters to 32 percent shooting overall and 23 percent from beyond the 3-point arc (5 of 22).

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JU and Austin Peay split their regular-season meetings, with both teams winning on the road. The Dolphins lost at Swisher Gym in the opening conference game of the season 71-65, on Jan. 1 and then beat the Governors 70-68 on Jan. 31 in Clarksville, Tenn.

The Dolphins lead the short history of the rivalry 3-2.

JU won without their A game

The Dolphins trailed for only 55 seconds and led on an 8-0 run in the first quarter, with four players scoring, for a 14-6 lead.

The margin reached as many as 12 points twice in the second quarter, was 35-25 at halftime and dipped to 38-35 when the Sugar Bears (21-11) went on a 10-3 run to start the third period. Cheyanne Kemp scored seven of the points, including a 3-pointer from the outside and a 3-point play after slipping inside the JU defense.

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Makiya Miller (24) drives to the basket under Central Arkansas Sugar Bears forward Laylah Reese (12) during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Makiya Miller (24) drives to the basket under Central Arkansas Sugar Bears forward Laylah Reese (12) during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

But Dolphins’ senior guard Priscilla Williams scored a layup in transition, secured a rebound that led to a 3-pointer by Brown and a 13-5 run was capped by Bailey Burns’ 3-point play with 2:02 left in the period.

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Jacksonville never trailed by less than four points in the fourth quarter and Makiya Miller and Carmaya Bowman responded to that with baskets inside and the Dolphins were up by at least seven for the rest of the game.

JU won despite 18 turnovers (which UCA turned into 14 points) and a shooting touch that deserted them after hitting 9 of 15 in the first quarter. The Dolphins made only 14 of 42 the rest of the game (33.3) and Williams, the ASUN Player of the Year, fouled out after nine points, seven rebounds and five turnovers.

But Jacksonville made up for it on the defensive end. The Sugar Bears shot only 28.6 percent for the game (18 of 63), 17.2 percent from beyond the arc (5 of 29) and matched the Dolphins’ 18 turnovers. JU had eight steals and outscored UCA 28-14 off the bench.

“When things get tough, that’s what allows them to show up for each other,” Jennings said. “Priscilla was in foul trouble [Williams, Comari Mitchell and Aniah Smith also missed the first tournament game against West Georgia, an 86-77 JU victory] … things like that. So these young ladies rally around and they do such an incredible job.”

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Tatum Brown was the glue

Brown, the ASUN Freshman of the Year who played all 40 minutes against West Georgia, had more than 37 minutes vs. Central Arkansas and led both teams with 12 rebounds. She added six points, three assists and three steals.

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Tatum Brown (2) celebrates with fans after defeating West Georgia 86-77 in the ASUN women’s basketball tournament Thursday March 5, 2026 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Tatum Brown (2) celebrates with fans after defeating West Georgia 86-77 in the ASUN women’s basketball tournament Thursday March 5, 2026 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Miller, who had 28 points vs. West Georgia, led the Dolphins with 12, Bowman had 11, Burns 10 and Mitchell matched Williams with nine.

“We run deep,” Brown said. “That’s kind of what makes us different. A lot of teams are only willing to play seven. We can play more and we contribute in different ways. It’s not all about points.”

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Shae Littleford led Central Arkansas with 19 points and Cheyanne Kemp had 11.

JU, APU top defensive teams in ASUN

The JU-Austin Peay matchup promises to be a defensive battle. The Governors are second to Central Arkansas in scoring defense, allowing 58.0 points per game, and lead the ASUN in the fewest field-goal attempts allowed at 49 per game.

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Makiya Miller (24) comes up a with a loose ball during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Makiya Miller (24) comes up a with a loose ball during the fourth period in the women’s ASUN semifinal against Jacksonville University and Central Arkansas at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday March 7, 2026. JU defeated Central Arkansas 67-58. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

JU leads the ASUN with 10.06 steals per game and APU is second with 9.32. The Dolphins are first in turnover margin at +4.0 and Austin Peay is +2.35.

Does Jennings anticipate a defensive battle in the championship game?

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“I know we’ll bring our defense,” Jennings said with a smile. “I hope they don’t bring theirs.”

JU history in ASUN women’s championship game

2018: Lost to Florida Gulf Coast 68-58 at Alico Arena, Fort Myers.

2016: Beat Florida Gulf Coast 56-54 at Alico Arena, Fort Myers.

2011: Lost to Stetson 69-50 at University Center, Macon, Ga.

2009: Lost to East Tennessee 58-52 at Allen Arena, Nashville.

2008: Lost to East Tennesse 75-72 at Allen Arena, Nashville.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: JU Dolphins advance to ASUN women’s basketball championship game