Gators Women’s Basketball Take Season Opener

The Florida A&M Rattlers traveled to Gainesville to play the Florida Gators for both of their season openers. The Gators have the 10-5 advantage over Florida A&M in the series. The Rattlers have not beat the Gators since 2009.

Rattlers have an Unpredictable First Half

The Gators began the game at a 8-0 deficit after the Rattlers took control early. The Gators were losing 18-13 before scoring 12 unanswered points in the first. They ended the quarter winning 25-18, and kept the lead after that.

The Gators proceeded to out-score the Rattlers 16-12 in the second quarter, confirming the Gators’ lead at halftime 41-30. Four different Gator players scored in the double digits, including senior Leilani Correa, who had 18 points off the bench and junior Jordan Merritt, who had a double-double including 10 rebounds. 

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Dominant Second Half

The Gators stole the first shot of the half, but FAMU proceeded to go on another 8-0 start. This brought the Rattlers within a close 43-38, but the Gators answered and ended the third with a score of 59-48.

It was the fourth quarter though where the Gators really made a statement. The Rattlers had no answer to their 20 points. Florida went on to out-score Florida A&M 24-7.

“I think we just loosened up to be honest with you,” head coach Kelly Rae Finley said about the Gators’ fourth quarter push. “I was really pleased with our effort … [the] struggle and fight through a lot of things. I don’t think it was anybody’s best game tonight, that’s a great sign for us as far as I’m concerned.”

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A Look Ahead

The Gators will spend the season without guard Zipporah “Zippy” Broughton, who is out for an undisclosed injury. Broughton was the second leading scorer last season, so new members on the squad will need to step up in her absence.

The next matchup for the Gators women’s basketball team will take place on Sunday against UNC Ashville in Gainesville. The game will be broadcasted on SEC Network at 2 p.m., and in honor of Veterans Day Friday, Veterans will receive free admission.