Photo: Gary McCullough
JACKSONVILLE, FL – Looking to avenge their overtime loss on Friday, the Jacksonville Waves (21-7) earned a decisive 87-62 win over the Greensboro Groove (10-19) at Campione Law Court at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday afternoon. Adut Bulgak led the way for the Waves with 14 points while three of her teammates (Khayla Pointer, Jasmine Walker and Rennia Davis) all had 12-point outings. Davis also ended the night with eleven rebounds and two assists while shooting 6/8 from the field, earning her sixth double-double of the season. The matchup was the second of three straight meetings between Jacksonville and Greensboro.
First Quarter: The Waves started hot with a 10-4 lead midway through the first quarter. Six of Jacksonville’s points came from Davis, who rolled in the team’s first three baskets from right in front of the rim. The Waves ended the first quarter with a 24-19 lead.
Second Quarter: Both sides traded baskets and defensive blocks for much of the second. The Jacksonville breakthrough came with just a few minutes left in the half as Madison Griggs drained a long three to give the Waves their first double-digit lead of the weekend, putting Jacksonville up 42-29. Jacksonville ended the half on a 4-0 run to lead 46-29. Davis led the way with 10 first-half points, shooting 71.4 percent from the field in the first half. She was followed closely by Khayla Pointer, who had eight first-half points, four of them free throws, while shooting 66.7 percent from the field in the first half.
Third Quarter: Jacksonville opened the second half just like they did the first half, opening up the lead to 56-32 thanks to a 10-0 run. The Waves started to pull away with 28 third quarter points to Greensboro’s 15 to earn a 30-point lead. Jacksonville was 11/20 from the field while the Groove were 5/16.
Fourth Quarter: Up 74-44 entering the fourth, the Waves kept up the pressure with a Bulgak three in the opening moments. Though Greensboro outscored Jacksonville in the fourth, it was not enough as the Waves kept plenty of distance between them and the Groove to close out the contest.
The Waves now improve to 21-7 on the year and in first place in the UPSHOT League. They will close out the three-game series with Greensboro on Wednesday, August 12 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Tip-off is set for 7:00 pm.
About the Jacksonville Waves
The Jacksonville Wavesare a professional women’s basketball team based in Jacksonville, Florida, and is a founding member of the new UPSHOT League which began play this May. The franchise’s identity—is inspired by Jacksonville’s coastal geography and the historic legacy of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Waves are committed to providing a professional platform for elite athletes while fostering a fun family environment and enjoyable game day experience. The Waves play their home games at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. For ticket packages and information call 904-602-7825, or visit www.wavesupshot.com
About the UPSHOT League
The UPSHOT League is a premier women’s professional basketball league headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Owned and operated by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, the league is built on four core pillars—UPlift, UPward, UPend, and UProar—aiming to create meaningful pathways for athletes and strengthen the communities they serve. The league’s “Founding Four” teams include the Jacksonville Waves, Savannah Steel, Charlotte Crown and Greensboro Groove. The Cities of Baltimore and Nashville are expected to start in 2027.