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The Florida Gators women’s basketball team faces the Missouri Tigers in the first round of the SEC tournament at about 1:30 p.m. today at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
Gators vs. Tigers Previous Game
The Gators (14-14, 5-11 SEC), the 11th seed, aim to extend their two-game winning streak against the 14th seed Tigers (11-18, 2-14). In their last encounter Feb. 22, Florida emerged victorious 86-70. It marked Florida’s largest margin of victory over Missouri to date.
Final. pic.twitter.com/Mog3IEHe3q
— Mizzou Basketball (@MizzouWBB) February 23, 2024
The Game Changers
Florida’s Aliyah Matharu shined as the top scorer, with a season average of 18.2 points per game, closely followed by Leilani Correa with an average of 17.9 points. Matharu’s defensive prowess is also notable, ranking No. 3 in the SEC with an average of 2.81 steals per game.
On Missouri’s side, senior Mama Dembele stands out with 6.5 assists and 3.3 steals per game. Her stats showcase Dembele as a formidable force in both offense and defense.
Power Plays: Team Strengths
Florida boasts a strong offensive lineup, ranking No. 3 in the SEC for scoring and No. 4 for steals, reflecting their aggressive play style. Missouri, however, capitalizes on its proficiency from beyond the arc, holding a significant position in 3-point shooting within the SEC.
On the Road to Greenville: Last Games before the Clash
Florida narrowly lost to Auburn in their last regular-season game, despite strong performances from Correa and Matharu. Missouri, having a challenging season, looks to rebound in the SEC tournament with key contributions from Hayley Frank and Grace Slaughter.
Final. #GoGators | Presented by @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/H7RpjaEHS4
— Gators Women’s Basketball (@GatorsWBK) March 3, 2024
Gators vs. Tigers Game Expectations
An intense battle as both teams seek to advance in the SEC tournament, Florida’s offensive might against Missouri’s sharpshooting and strategic play could set the stage for an exciting showdown. The game will be on the SEC Network and on ESPN 98.1-FM/AM-850 WRUF.
The winner advances to play six seed Vanderbilt (22-8) at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
Georgia, the 13th seed, takes on 12 seed Kentucky to open the tourney at 11 a.m. today.
