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The Florida Gators women’s basketball team is in Clemson, South Carolina, as they face the Clemson Tigers in the third round of the Women’s NIT on Thursday. The Gators look to clinch a victory against the Tigers and advance to the next round.
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Gators vs. Wake Forest in Second Round
The stakes were high in the second round of the Women’s NIT conference. The Florida Women’s basketball team dominated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with an impressive career-high performance by senior Nina Rickards. Rickards scored 25 points and snagged four rebounds to offset the Demon Deacons at home. Following behind was Jordyn Merritt with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Florida’s defense was aggressive, forcing 15 turnovers and 10 steals.
Wake Forest finished their season with a 17-17 record overall. Jewel Spear led with 25 points and five rebounds. Wake Forest trailed Florida throughout the whole game, but the Gators ultimately pulled away in the fourth quarter with a 17 point extension.
Gators Look to Chomp the Tigers in Third Round
Up next on the Gators roster is a non-conference match up against the Clemson Tigers. The Tigers are coming in 19-15 overall with a nearly season-ending contest against Auburn on Monday. In the battle of the Tigers, Clemson won 56-55 after a tough comeback. Freshman Ruby Whitehorn led Clemson with 16 points and six rebounds.
Clemson’s head coach Amanda Butler recognizes the strengths of the Gators.
Nonetheless, Butler is proud of her team’s performance thus far this season as she looks ahead into Thursday’s game.
Looking Ahead
This is the Gators women’s hoops first time back in the Super 16 of the WNIT since 2013 which makes this game special. However, Clemson won’t go down without a fight as the Tigers look to turn heads and advance to the elite eight. Jump ball is set at 7 p.m.
