FLORENCE, Ala. — The North Alabama women’s basketball team struggled from three-point range Tuesday in a 77-64 home loss to Chattanooga. The Lions hit just 4-of-22 shots from long range in the final non-conference game of the year, falling to 1-8 on the season.
The Mocs shot 47.5 percent from the floor and had three players reach double figures, including a double-double by Eboni Williams. Nursing a one-point lead midway through the third quarter, the visitors closed the period on an 8-4 run before outscoring UNA 24-16 in the final period.
The first half featured six ties and four lead changes before Chattanooga (5-4) took a 39-38 lead into the break. The Lions cut the deficit to a single point on three occasions in the third quarter, but could never take the lead.
Sakyia White found Macey Lee under the basket to make the score 45-44 with 5:42 remaining in the third period. The Lions got a defensive stop on the ensuing possession but could not take advantage. Consecutive baskets by the Mocs pushed the lead to five points and Chattanooga led 53-48 heading into the final stanza.
A 9-2 run to start the fourth quarter gave the Mocs a 12-point lead and UNA could not get within single digits the rest of the way.
For the game, no player from North Alabama had more than one three-pointer. Chattanooga also held a 44-33 rebounding advantage and outscored the Lions 44-36 in the paint.
Jaila Roberts led UNA with 17 points and four assists. Jaida Bond also had 16 points while White finished with nine points and seven rebounds. Williams finished the day with 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Mocs.
UNA will now turn its attention to ASUN Conference play. The Lions will host two games against defending champion and preseason league favorite FGCU Jan. 2-3. Tip-off for both games is set for 2 p.m. at Flowers Hall.
