Fort Myers, Fla. – Jacksonville Dolphins Claim Third Place in Fort Myers Tip-Off Tournament
The Jacksonville University Dolphins secured third place in the Fort Myers Tip-Off basketball tournament with a solid 75-64 win over the Siena Saints on Tuesday. This victory marks a much-needed boost for the Dolphins, who now carry a season record of 4-3.
The Tournament Journey
During their tournament participation, the Dolphins faced some challenges, splitting their games. Only a day before the win over Siena, Jacksonville endured a grueling overtime match against the Mercer Bears. This close contest, coupled with a pregame delay due to a broken goalpost, extended their match time well beyond four hours.
Despite the fatigue that could have stemmed from such a taxing schedule, the Dolphins showcased their resilience against Siena. They quickly established an early 11-3 lead, increasing it to a commanding 27-10 midway through the first half.
Key Players Shine
Leading the charge for Jacksonville was Robert McCray V, who delivered a stellar performance with 21 points, pulling down eight rebounds and providing five assists. His dynamic play solidified his status as a contender for the All-Tournament team. Through both games in the tournament, McCray accumulated a total of 41 points and played a hefty 70 minutes.
Joining McCray in double figures against Siena were Zach Bell with 11 points and Stephon Payne III and Zimi Nwokeji, each contributing 10 points. Bell also provided four assists, Nwokeji secured six rebounds, and Payne added four assists to the Dolphins’ performance, contributing to their continued dominance on the boards.
Jacksonville tied with Siena for total rebounds at 30, maintaining a streak of not losing the rebounding battle throughout all seven games this season.
Game Flow and Strategy
The game developed with Jacksonville keeping control from start to finish. By halftime, they had extended their lead to 41-26, largely due to their effective shooting and disciplined play. McCray led at the half with 13 points, displaying his shooting accuracy.
In the second half, the Dolphins continued to dominate. Although Siena managed to narrow the deficit to six points with under three minutes remaining, a quick response from Jacksonville, featuring a six-point run, effectively sealed the game for the Dolphins.
Reflecting on the Tournament Experience
After the overtime loss to Mercer, head coach Jordan Mincy and his staff took time to reassess the team’s approach. They engaged the players in a film session, focusing on crucial aspects such as game timing and situational awareness. This preparation paid off against Siena, as the Dolphins effectively managed the game’s final moments and avoided a repeat of their previous mistakes.
Mincy emphasized the importance of the tightly contested games during this non-conference stretch, stating, “This is a learning experience, not just for the guys but for the staff as well.” He reiterated the objective of utilizing these early-season challenges to prepare for the rigors of conference play.
Looking Ahead
The Dolphins will now prepare for a challenging matchup against the University of Georgia on Saturday, November 30. The game is set to tip-off at 7:00 p.m. EST and will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
With the experience gained from the tournament, Jacksonville hopes to carry their momentum into their next game and continue their growth as a team.
