Florida’s Jaterra Bonds dropped in a three-footer with two seconds left to provide the winning margin in a 67-65 decision over host Charlotte in the WNIT Sweet 16 Wednesday night in Halton Arena. The loss ends the second-most successful campaign in 49ers history.
In a nip-and-tuck, back-and-forth affair, the visiting Gators netted the final six points in the last minute of regulation to clinch the win. A Ny Hammonds jumper put the Niners on top by four, 65-61, with 1:05 left, but on the next Florida (21-14) possession, January Miller answered with a three-pointer to pull her team within one.
A costly Charlotte turnover led to a foul at the other end. Bonds hit the front of the two-shot opportunity to force a 65-65 tie, and Jennifer George came in for the offensive rebound, keeping the Gators’ hopes alive. Florida called a timeout with 16 seconds remaining to draw up the final sequence.
Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Jennifer Hailey finished her collegiate career with a game-high 19 points, raising her career total to 1,453 and ending in seventh place in school history. She also added a first-half blocked shot, sending the rejection into the stands and extending her consecutive games streak with at least one block to 44. She converted 8-of-14 field goals and 3-of-6 free throws, while grabbing seven rebounds and swiping two steals in 34 minutes during her final Halton Arena appearance.
Fellow senior Amanda Dowe, an All-Atlantic 10 Third Team selection, ended her 49ers career with her 15th double-double of the season and 23rd of her career with 15 points and a game-best 12 rebounds. She was 7-of-11 from the floor and hit her only free throw, while handing out an assist in 36 minutes.
The program’s final senior, Jai Forney, contributed 11 points on 5-of-8 field goals, to go along with her four rebounds, two assists and a steal in 28 minutes.
The 38th season of Charlotte women’s basketball closed with numerous records established. It marked the final campaign for the 49ers as an Atlantic 10 member. The next time the Niners step onto the floor, they will be a member of Conference USA, their previous home from 1995-96 through 2004-05.