{"id":182932,"date":"2026-03-08T06:51:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T06:51:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/182932\/"},"modified":"2026-03-08T06:51:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T06:51:34","slug":"jacksonville-womens-basketball-advances-to-asun-final-over-uca-sugar-bears","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/182932\/","title":{"rendered":"Jacksonville women’s basketball advances to ASUN final over UCA Sugar Bears"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jacksonville University women\u2019s basketball coach Special Jennings<\/a>\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0mind admitting\u00a0something\u00a0about her team\u2019s performance on March 7 in\u00a0an\u00a0ASUN Tournament semifinal vs. Central Arkansas<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0not always pretty,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

But that word \u201cJacksonville\u201d that\u00a0freshman\u00a0point guard Tatum Brown<\/a> slapped on the bracket\u00a0in the locker room\u00a0to signify the Dolphins\u2019 advancement to the championship game at 5 p.m.on March 9 vs. Austin Peay sure looked good.<\/p>\n

1 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) celebrates by hugging head coach Special Jennings after defeating Central Arkansas in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) celebrates by hugging head coach Special Jennings after defeating Central Arkansas in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Tatum Brown (2) and Jacksonville Dolphins guard Mychal White (1) celebrate after defeating Central Arkansas in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Makiya Miller (24) comes up a with a loose ball during the fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins forward Carmaya Bowman (10) celebrates the win with teammates in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Tatum Brown (2) celebrates their win in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) yells \u201cDuuvvaall\u201d after winning in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) is congratulated by fans after defeating Central Arkansas in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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11 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins head coach Special Jennings talks to her coaching staff in the this period again Central Arkansas in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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12 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

during the third fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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13 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

during the third fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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14 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

during the third fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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16 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins head coach Special Jennings is congratulated by fans after defeating Central Arkansas in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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17 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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18 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins head coach Special Jennings talks to her team during the third period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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19 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Central Arkansas Sugar Bears guard Cheyanne Kemp (4) is defended by Jacksonville Dolphins forward Carmaya Bowman (10) during the third period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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21 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

during the third fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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22 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

during the third fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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23 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

during the third fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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24 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

during the third fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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25 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

during the third fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) dries through Central Arkansas Sugar Bears center Linda Amaning (25) during the fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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27 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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28 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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29 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) drives through Central Arkansas Sugar Bears forward Laylah Reese (12) during the fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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30 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University head coach Special Jennings reacts to a call during the fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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31 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Makiya Miller (24) passes a loose ball to Jacksonville Dolphins forward Carmaya Bowman (10) during the fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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33 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Comari Mitchell (5) shoots two on a break away during the fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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34 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville University head coach Special Jennings coaches from the bench during the fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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35 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

JU fans cheer in the final second of the fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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36 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Central Arkansas Sugar Bears forward Laylah Reese (12) is pressured by Jacksonville Dolphins guard Tatum Brown (2) during the fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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37 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Comari Mitchell (5) talks to JU head coach Special Jennings during the fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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38 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Tatum Brown (2) passes the ball of Jacksonville Dolphins guard Comari Mitchell (5) during the fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

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39 \/ 39<\/p>\n

Women’s JU advances to final in ASUN Tournament<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) celebrates with teammates after their win during women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

JU secured its spot in the\u00a0finals\u00a0for the sixth time in school history by beating the Sugar Bears 67-58 at the VyStar Veterans Arena. The Dolphins (23-8)\u00a0have won 12 of 13 games and with one more victory can match\u00a0the 2015-16 team, coached by Yolett McPhee-McCuin<\/a>, which won the program\u2019s only ASUN title<\/a> and with it, a trip to the NCAA Tournament.<\/p>\n

Second-seeded\u00a0Jacksonville is also one victory away from tying the school record set when they went 24-9 in 2017-18<\/a>, which was the last time they made the ASUN Championship\u00a0title game. The Dolphins lost to Florida Gulf Coast 68-58 that season.<\/p>\n

\"Jacksonville<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Priscilla Williams (23) celebrates by hugging head coach Special Jennings after defeating Central Arkansas in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

Austin Peay\u00a0(19-12), the eighth seed,\u00a0nailed down\u00a0their first appearance in the ASUN Championship in three seasons in the conference\u00a0by dispatching No. 4 Stetson 68-52. Five players scored in double figures for the\u00a0Governors\u00a0and they held the Hatters\u00a0to 32 percent shooting overall and 23\u00a0percent from beyond the 3-point arc (5 of 22).<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

JU and Austin Peay split their regular-season meetings, with both teams winning on the road.\u00a0The 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\u00a0Jan. 31 in Clarksville, Tenn.<\/p>\n

The Dolphins lead the\u00a0short history\u00a0of\u00a0the rivalry\u00a03-2.<\/p>\n

JU won without their A game<\/p>\n

The Dolphins trailed for only 55 seconds and led on an 8-0 run in the first quarter, with four players scoring,\u00a0for a 14-6 lead.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0Cheyanne Kemp scored seven of the points, including a 3-pointer from the outside and a 3-point play after slipping inside the JU defense.<\/p>\n

\"Jacksonville<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

But Dolphins’ senior guard Priscilla Williams<\/a> scored a layup in transition, secured a rebound that led to a 3-pointer by\u00a0Brown\u00a0and a 13-5 run was capped by Bailey Burns\u2019 3-point play with 2:02 left in the period.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Jacksonville never trailed by less than four points in the fourth\u00a0quarter\u00a0and Makiya Miller and\u00a0Carmaya\u00a0Bowman responded to that with baskets inside and the Dolphins were up by at least\u00a0seven for the rest of the game.<\/p>\n

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,\u00a0the ASUN Player of the Year, fouled out after nine points, seven rebounds and five turnovers.<\/p>\n

But Jacksonville made up for it on the defensive end.\u00a0The 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\u2019 18 turnovers. JU\u00a0had eight steals and outscored UCA 28-14 off the bench.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen things get tough, that\u2019s what allows them to show up for each other,\u201d Jennings said. \u201cPriscilla was in foul trouble [Williams, Comari Mitchell and Aniah Smith also missed the first tournament game against West Georgia, an 86-77 JU victory]\u00a0… things like that.\u00a0So\u00a0these young ladies rally\u00a0around\u00a0and they do such an incredible job.\u201d<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Tatum Brown was the glue<\/p>\n

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\u00a0three steals.<\/p>\n

\"Jacksonville<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Tatum Brown (2) celebrates with fans after defeating West Georgia 86-77 in the ASUN women\u2019s basketball tournament Thursday March 5, 2026 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union]<\/p>\n

Miller, who had 28 points vs. West Georgia, led the Dolphins with 12, Bowman had 11, Burns 10 and Mitchell matched\u00a0Williams with nine.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe run deep,\u201d Brown said. \u201cThat\u2019s\u00a0kind of what\u00a0makes us different. A lot of teams are only willing to play seven. We can play more\u00a0and we\u00a0contribute in\u00a0different ways.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0not all about\u00a0points.\u201d<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Shae Littleford led Central Arkansas with 19 points and Cheyanne Kemp had 11.<\/p>\n

JU, APU top defensive teams in ASUN<\/p>\n

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\u00a0lead the ASUN in the fewest field-goal attempts allowed at 49 per game.<\/p>\n

\"Jacksonville<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Dolphins guard Makiya Miller (24) comes up a with a loose ball during the fourth period in the women\u2019s 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]<\/p>\n

JU leads the ASUN with 10.06 steals per\u00a0game\u00a0and APU is second with 9.32. The Dolphins are first in turnover margin\u00a0at\u00a0+4.0\u00a0and\u00a0Austin Peay is +2.35.<\/p>\n

Does Jennings\u00a0anticipate\u00a0a defensive battle in the championship game?<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

\u201cI know we\u2019ll bring our defense,\u201d Jennings said with a smile. \u201cI hope they\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0bring theirs.\u201d<\/p>\n

JU history in ASUN women\u2019s championship game<\/p>\n

2018: Lost to Florida Gulf Coast 68-58 at Alico Arena, Fort Myers.<\/p>\n

2016: Beat Florida Gulf Coast 56-54 at Alico Arena, Fort Myers.<\/p>\n

2011: Lost to Stetson 69-50 at\u00a0University\u00a0Center, Macon, Ga.<\/p>\n

2009: Lost to East Tennessee 58-52 at Allen Arena, Nashville.<\/p>\n

2008: Lost to East\u00a0Tennesse\u00a075-72 at Allen Arena, Nashville.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: JU Dolphins advance to ASUN women’s basketball championship game<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Jacksonville University women\u2019s basketball coach Special Jennings\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0mind admitting\u00a0something\u00a0about her team\u2019s performance on March 7 in\u00a0an\u00a0ASUN Tournament semifinal vs.…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":182933,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[14884,54015,86218,20086,1250,16385,116,118,117,8525,73101,86219,12070,86220],"class_list":["post-182932","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-jacksonville","tag-asun","tag-austin-peay","tag-central-arkansas","tag-championship-game","tag-dolphins","tag-florida-gulf-coast","tag-jacksonville","tag-jacksonville-headlines","tag-jacksonville-news","tag-jacksonville-university","tag-priscilla-williams","tag-tatum-brown","tag-the-dolphins","tag-the-sugar-bears"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182932","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=182932"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182932\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/182933"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=182932"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=182932"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=182932"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}