Women’s basketball trounces Oakwood in home opener

Junior guard Jaclyn Heath passes the ball to a teammate in North Alabama’s home opener against Oakwood Nov. 17. The Lions improve to 3-0 on the season and UNA head coach Missy Tiber improves to 4-1 in home openers in her UNA career.

The North Alabama women’s basketball team earned its first home win of the season Thursday night when they took down the Oakwood Ambassadors 101-48 Nov. 17. UNA improves to 3-0 on the season.

The Lions offense put on a show as they shot 11-22 three-point field goals in the victory Nov. 17. This is the first time the Lions scored over 100 in the last two seasons.

“I knew coming into this year, we were going to be better,” said Lions head coach Missy Tiber. “I think our guards are dynamic this year. Jaclyn (Heath) is improved, and I think she is the best thing that could happen for Ivy (Wallen).”

Wallen, the standout freshman guard, led the team in scoring with 24 points after averaging 26 points per game against Tuskegee and Claflin Nov. 11-12.

Junior guard Jaclyn Heath tied for second most points, along with sophomore guard Savannah Stults, with 12.

Tiber said outstanding play from the guards was pivotal to the team’s success offensively.

“I think we did really well,” Heath said. “We did a good job of distributing the ball. Everyone was in good scoring positions, and we scored 100 points. Everyone played hard and hustled.”

Junior forward Michaela Dekidler led the Lions in total rebounds with nine, followed by sophomore forward Katelyn Nunley with seven.

Up next for the Lions is Fisk Nov. 23 at Flowers Hall. UNA continues its home game stretch against Trevecca Nazarene Nov. 26.