December 11, 1999

Washington, D.C. - Patrick Doctor's second chance basket with three seconds remainging was the difference as American University defeated JU 61-59. Jamar Bailey had pulled the Dolphins even at 59 with twenty three seconds left before the Eagles were able to pull out their fifth win of the season against just two losses. With the defeat, Jacksonville falls to 2-4 on the season.

JU jumped ahead early and led by seven (14-7) with 12:18 to go in the opening half. The Dolphins were ledby hot perimeter shooting in the game's first eight minutes. The Dolphins had a chance to blow the game open, but went scorless for over six and a half minutes allowing the Eagles back in the game. A Brandon Williams trey, one of three for the game, ended the drought, and JU still led 17-13 with 5:41 left. But American would charge back. Hasheem Alexander's basket with :02 left in the half capped a 12-6 spurt, and Jacksonville trailed 25-23 at the break.

For the second striaght game, the Dolphins shot the second half lights out. After a 70+ percent effort versus Samford, JU hit 13 of 20 second half field goals (65.0%). The Dolphins, though, could not overcome 25 turnovers for the game and American came up with 11 steals.

JU had its second half chances. A Calvin Slaughter dunk gave the Dolphins their last lead at 53-49 with 6:28 left. Jacksonville managed just three points over the next five plus minutes, allowing American to take a three point lead (59-56) with fifty four seconds left, setting up the dramatic finish. Slaughter led all scoreres with 17 points and a game high eight rebounds. Brandon Williams added 16 in the losing effort. JU shot 51.2% for the game while holding the Eagles to 39.3% shooting from the field. But American had 18 more attempts than did the Dolphins (43-61).

JU will return to action on Tuesday, December 14th at 8:00 PM when they take on Northwestern in Chicago.