Lions roll to 81-68 victory over Henderson State

FLORENCE - North Alabama capitalized on its free throw opportunities Thursday night as the Lions rolled to an 81-68 victory over Henderson State at Flowers Hall.

After taking control early with a 23-0 spurt, the Lions spent most of the final 30 minutes at the free-throw line. Henderson State committed 37 fouls and had four players foul out. The Lions (2-3) made the Reddies (2-1) pay, converting 41-of-51 at the line.

UNA led 14-12 in the early going before going on a 23-0 run over the next six minutes. Kierra McCleary, Niala Harris and Ashley Moore all had a 3-pointer in the spurt that put the Lions up 37-12 after two free throws by Dana Jackson with 8:43 to go in the half.

But the Lions did not make a shot from the field in the final ten minute, allowing Henderson State to trim the margin to 41-29 at halftime.

"We shot the ball well early when we made the big run, but they turned up the pressure and we got tired," coach Terry Fowler said. "We did a good job avoiding turnovers, so they were not able to generate their offense off of turnovers."

UNA was able to maintain the double-digit lead until a late run by the Reddies cut the margin to 65-60 with 4:53 remaining.

The Lions led 67-62 when Henderson State was called for two technical fouls. Niala Harris hit 5-of-6 free throws on the possession to push the lead to 72-62. Dana Jackson later converted a three-point play to seal the win for the Lions.

Jameica York was 17-of-20 at the line and led UNA with 21 points. Jackson added 16 points, while Harris had 15 points and 11 rebounds. Nyesha Adams paced Henderson State with 23 points.

"We expected this type of game," Fowler said.

"Henderson presses and fouls a lot. We were able to get to the line and knock down our free throws. It was ugly, but it's a region win and we'll take it."

Jeff McIntyre can be reached at 740-5737 or jeff.mcintyre@TimesDaily.com.