Gators women’s basketball falls to FSU 76-68

The Gator women’s basketball team dropped its second game of the season Thursday night at home against rival Florida State, 76-68.

The Seminoles move to 4-0 on the season and Florida to 3-2. Despite holding a 50-5 home record against nonconference teams under head coach Amanda Butler, FSU has won seven of the last 10 meetings in the 70-game series, including last year’s 98-67 pounding.

The Gators averaged only 31.7 percent on their field goals and 45 percent of shots beyond the arc. After going into halftime down 34-29, Florida never took back the lead.

Highly touted freshman Ronni Williams was one of few bright spots for the Gators. Despite fouling out with 47 seconds to go, she recorded 12 rebounds and 14 points. Sophomore guard January Miller recorded a team-high 19 points, including four threes.

Gator coach Amanda Butler said the team lacked toughness and consistency throughout the game.

“In our eyes, we lost a toughness battle in parts of the game today,” Butler said. “We just had too many people that we rely on who weren’t their reliable self tonight, whether you’re looking at the stat sheet or a mental foundation that they lay for us. It was way too much up and down, up and down, up and down. You just can’t be a good team like that, no matter where you’re playing.”

Frustration was evident on players’ faces before the final buzzer even rang. Senior Jaterra Bonds said issues off and on the court have been affecting the team’s mentality and performance.

“(FSU is) our rival, and then we just make silly mistakes,” Bonds said. “We have problems that aren’t basketball-related that’s keeping us from beating good teams, having signature wins. We can beat the — no disrespect — mediocre teams, but the wins that count, we ain’t seeming to get them.”

Florida next plays St.John’s at home on Tuesday.  To hear audio from game, click below.