JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP)—Brad Haugabrook scored 20 points and North Florida held off a late rally to defeat Florida Gulf Coast 81-74 in the Atlantic Sun Conference opener for both teams on Thursday night.
Haugabrook was 8 for 11 from the field for the Ospreys (4-3), who shot 52.7 percent (29 of 55) to win for the fourth time in five games.
North Florida led throughout the second half, holding a 52-32 advantage with 15:47 remaining, but FGCU (2-4) rallied to cut the margin to 74-72 on Marlon Rivera’s layup with 37 seconds to play.
The Ospreys stopped the comeback with five consecutive points. Parker Smith’s two free throws gave them a 79-72 lead with 12 seconds left.
Matt Sauey scored 13 points, Jimmy Williams had 12 points and 11 rebounds, Jerron Granberry scored 12 and Smith added 10 points.
Anthony Banks scored 19 points, Reed Baker had 18 and Christophe Varidel added 16 for FGCU.
