ESPN 98.1 FM / 850 AM WRUF ESPN 98.1 FM / 850 AM WRUF
The Florida Gators women’s basketball team is set for a round two matchup in the WNIT against Wake Forest Monday evening. The Gators defeated the Wofford Terriers in round one, 66-63, last Thursday. Wofford automatically qualified for the WNIT as the regular season Southern conference champions. The Gators made the WNIT as an “At Large” team with a 16-14 record. They hope for a strong tournament showing after losing to Kentucky in the first round of the SEC tournament.
https://twitter.com/GatorsWBK/status/1637786564788101120?s=20
Gators Looking for Redemption in WNIT
Florida exited the SEC tournament in disappointing fashion. They fell to the Kentucky Wildcats on day one. Kentucky held a 2-14 record in the SEC, tied for last with Texas A&M.
Florida however, is off to a strong start in the WNIT, taking down a 22-10 Wofford team that won its conference. Wofford went 10-4 in conference play. Senior guard Leilani Correa led Gators, exploding for 24 points off the bench. Her season average is 11.8 points per game. Senior guards Nina Rickards and KK Deans added in 18 points and 15 points in the win.
This trio of seniors combines for 38 of the Gators 69.1 points per game. Their offense will be key to advancing far in the tournament. Florida went 4-7 on the road this season.
Wake Forest Ready
The Demon Deacons finished with a 14-15 overall record this season. They held a 5-13 record in ACC play. However, Wake Forest made some noise in the women’s ACC tournament. They took down Virginia and Florida State before falling to Louisville in the quarterfinals. FSU finished their season 23-8 with a 12-6 conference record before being upset by Wake Forest.
Now, The Demon Deacons are looking to make some more noise, this time in the WNIT. They took care of business in their first round matchup with a 75-49 victory that sent Morgan State packing. Junior guard Jewel Spear dropped 20 points in the victory. She leads Wake Forest in scoring, averaging 16.3 points on the season. Sophomore guard Elise Williams leads the team in assists in steals, and averages 10.3 points per game, the second most on the squad. She was quiet against Morgan State, recording six points and five rebounds, but will look to make more of an impact against the gators.
https://twitter.com/WakeWBB/status/1637618712776679424?s=20
Wake Forest is 12-4 at home, and looks to use that to their advantage in this second round matchup. The winner will go on to the super 16 to face either Clemson or Auburn.
