AVE MARIA, Fla. - The University of Mobile Women's Basketball team returned to the court to begin the week and delivered two victories across Dec. 30-31 in central Florida, taking down two SUN Conference opponents in the process. Mobile opened the week with a dominating 90-51 victory over New College of Florida, while using a second half comeback against host-school Ave Maria (Fla.) on Tuesday to win 67-63 over the Gyrenes.
Following the two wins, Mobile's overall record improves to 11-3 overall on the year before the return of conference play after the New Year holiday.
Mobile 90, New College of Florida 51
The Rams put together a dominant performance against New College of Florida at the Tom Golisano Field House in Ave, Maria, Fla., winning by 39 points.
From the outset, Mobile set the tone, erupting for 34 points in the first quarter while limiting New College to just nine. The early explosion allowed Mobile to build a substantial lead that only grew as the game progressed. By halftime, the Rams led 49-25, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Key contributors to the victory included Alanna Donaldson, who led all scorers with 20 points on an efficient 10-of-18 shooting. Braylee McMath added 18 points, including four three-pointers, while MacKenzie White chipped in nine points and contributed across the board with five rebounds and three steals. Marina Mellado was another standout, tallying 16 points, six rebounds, and two steals from off the bench.
Defensively, the Rams were relentless, forcing 31 turnovers from New College and converting those opportunities into 48 points. Mobile's suffocating defense recorded 16 steals, a testament to their high-energy play.
New College struggled to find their rhythm, shooting 37.8% from the field and just 18.8% from beyond the arc.
Mobile 67, Ave Maria 63
Host school Ave Maria put up more of a fight against the Rams one day later, with Mobile having to dig deep to mount a second-half comeback. Mobile's determination and resilience led to a hard-fought 67-63 victory over the Gyrenes in a dramatic New Year's Eve showdown.
Trailing through much of the contest, Mobile surged ahead in the final quarter, outscoring Ave Maria 24-20 in a nail-biting conclusion. Key performances from standout players Alanna Donaldson, Braylee McMath, Miriam Oldacre and Mackenzie White proved pivotal in the victory. Donaldson led the Rams with 18 points, including clutch baskets in the first and fourth quarters, contributing to the team's strong finish. McMath and Oldacre each added 15 points while showcasing defensive prowess with a combined eight steals, and White chipped in with 13 points, converting a critical 8-of-9 from the free-throw line.
Mobile's defense shone, forcing 21 turnovers and registering 12 steals, while Verd Fontaine dominated the boards with a game-high 12 rebounds.
As a team, the Rams struggled offensively early, shooting just 31.5% from the field. However, timely three-pointers (8-of-23) and their ability to capitalize on turnovers helped them stay within striking distance. Mobile took its largest lead of seven points with under a minute remaining, sealing the win with key defensive stops and free throws.
What's Ahead
Mobile is set to return to SSAC play on Jan. 4, traveling to Montgomery, Ala. for a meeting against Faulkner University (Ala.). Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT against the Eagles.
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About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted, and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
