Gators Women’s Basketball Falls in SEC Quarterfinals To Ole Miss

The Gator women’s basketball team battled their way into the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament this week. The Gators entered Friday’s game coming off a gritty win over Vanderbilt.

Gators Women’s Basketball (21-10, 10-6 SEC)

During Friday’s match up against Ole Miss, the Gators were down two starters, star guard Kiki Smith and forward Jordyn Merritt. Smith went down in the fourth quarter against Vanderbilt but was on the sideline to cheer on her team and Jordyn Merritt went down in the first quarter of the game against the Rebels after a hard fall.

Florida started the first half slowly but made their way back to trail at halftime by only single digits 32-25. The Gators came out of the half with some momentum with Zippy Broughton scoring eight of 10 points for the Gators but it was not enough to stop the Ole Miss offense as they led the entire game sealing the victory 70-60. The Gators struggled offensively shooting 33 percent from the field.

Florida was led by Broughton who had an outstanding performance for the Gators with 26 points, seven rebounds, and two steals, stepping up for Florida when needed. Also, helping the Gators down the stretch in double-figures was Kristina Moore adding 11 points in her last appearance in the SEC Tournament for her collegiate career.

Gator coach Kelly Rae Finley on her team’s performance:

Gave it all we had. @WellsFargo | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/UIMItbR6iO

— Gators Women’s Basketball (@GatorsWBK) March 4, 2022

Zippy Broughton on her performance and losing Kiki Smith.

Ole Miss Basketball (23-7, 10-6 SEC)

Shakira Austin led Ole Miss in scoring with 27 points and 13 rebounds helping the Rebels advance to the semifinals. The Rebels will take on top seed South Carolina in a rematch. The Rebels ended their regular season against to the Gamecocks losing in Oxford 71-57.

Up Next For The Gators

The Gators still have some fight in them as they return to Gainesville and wait for the NCAA Selection Show Sunday to see where they will be headed for the big dance.