JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The University of West Georgia Wolves secured a dramatic 76–71 overtime victory over the North Florida Ospreys in the opening round of the 2026 Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Women’s Basketball Championship on Tuesday, March 3, at Swisher Gymnasium in Jacksonville, Florida.
The win marked a significant milestone for West Georgia, delivering the program’s first postseason victory since transitioning to NCAA Division I competition.
Game Recap
West Georgia (18–12 overall, 10–8 ASUN) battled back from a double-digit deficit to force overtime before closing out the Ospreys with a strong extra period performance. North Florida (9–21, 4–14 ASUN) led for much of the game, including a 50–40 advantage entering the fourth quarter, but the Wolves rallied late to extend the contest.
During the fourth quarter, West Georgia mounted a comeback behind timely three-point shooting that tied the game 59–59 in the final minute, sending the matchup into overtime.
In the extra period, the Wolves opened with a 6–0 run and maintained control despite foul trouble, finishing the game with two late free throws to seal the five-point victory.
Key Moments
- North Florida built momentum in the third quarter, pushing its lead to double digits.
- West Georgia responded with a fourth-quarter surge fueled by multiple three-pointers.
- The Wolves outscored the Ospreys in overtime to secure the win.
Why the Win Matters
The victory advanced West Georgia into the ASUN tournament quarterfinal round, continuing the program’s push to establish itself at the Division I level.
The Wolves’ resilience was particularly notable as the team navigated foul trouble late in the game but still managed to outlast North Florida.
What’s Next
With the opening-round win, West Georgia moves on to face second-seeded Jacksonville in the quarterfinals at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville.
The 2026 ASUN Championship tournament, which runs from March 3–9, features 12 teams competing for the conference title and an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.
