Emani Jefferson set a new career-high in points Thursday as Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball glides past Lipscomb 75-54 in Nashville, Tennessee.
"This was a great win against a very good team," head coach
Karl Smesko said. "Shekinah and Cerina played great off the bench. Emani was excellent, and Uju got us a double-double."
Jefferson poured in 27 points in an all-around performance, lifting FGCU (16-4, 6-0 ASUN) to its ninth straight win. FGCU has not lost in 2024 and extended its conference win streak to 28 consecutive over current member institutions. The Eagles also remained perfect in the all-time series against Lipscomb, emerging 35-0.
Jefferson's previous career-high was 24 points in Saturday's win over Kennesaw State, earning both ASUN Player and Newcomer of the Week honors to begin Monday. Not only did Jefferson score a career-high Thursday, the redshirt junior produced a double-double effort with 11 boards.
Jefferson took the game's opening tip and soared to the basket in under four seconds, shot 11-of-20 from the field, 5-of-6 from the line, dished out five assists, swiped three steals and added one block.
Both teams opened the first quarter, shooting better than fifty percent. FGCU grabbed a nine-point advantage heading into the half, 37-28, without knocking down a 3-pointer in the second period. The Eagles finished the night 6-for-26 from distance.
Lipscomb kept the game close and pulled to within six, 47-41, late in the third (1:35) by hitting one of its only two made threes. On the next possession,
Uju Ezeudu countered with a three of her own for the counter punch.
Ezeudu emerged as the second Eagle to post a double-double performance against the Bisons, her fourth of the season, with 12 points and a season-high 14 boards. FGCU dominated the boards 47-29.
FGCU took a seven-point lead into the fourth and outscored 25-11 in the final period to secure another tally in the win column. The Bisons would lead for only 29 seconds Thursday, taking a 3-2 lead.
Cerina Rolle and
Dolly Cairns also had productive nights for the Eagles. Rolle contributed a career-high 13 points, and Dolly added 10.
FGCU continues in road swing Saturday to face Austin Peay. Tip-off in Clarkesville, Tennessee, is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
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