FINAL: FLORIDA 80, OKLAHOMA 61

NORMAN, OK- Florida head coach Cameron Newbauer earned his signature victory after the Gators dominated Oklahoma on the road in the Big 12/SEC Challenge on Sunday.

Oklahoma is a team that has averaged 80 points and more than 40 rebounds per contest. Despite the Sooners entering the game outrebounding opponents by more than two boards, Florida grabbed 56 while limiting Oklahoma to only 31. Newbauer has harped on his team all year about rebounding and limiting offensive rebounds. This was “a great team win, I’m proud of our team,” Newbauer said after the game.

Dyandria Anderson led Florida with 29 points despite only attempting 11 shots. Anderson hit six of her seven three-point attempts and was seven of nine from the free-throw stripe. Funda Nakkasoglu added 24 points, and Delicia Washington chipped in 11 points. Washington also grabbed 15 rebounds, leading the Gators effort on the glass. Haley Lorenzen added 11 boards to the effort. Anderson, Nakkasgolu, and Washington each had four assists.

Florida led 43-29 midway through the third quarter, but Oklahoma went on a 11-4 run to finish the period. “Oklahoma battled back and owned momentum heading into the fourth quarter,” Newbauer stated, also expressing his pride in his team’s resilience.

The Gators finished the game with a fourth quarter rout of the Sooners. Florida outscored Oklahoma 33-21 in the final period. Florida made four three-pointers in the final quarter, and hit all six of their free throws in the final two minutes.

Florida held Oklahoma’s starters to a total of just 13 points. Leading scorer, 6-4 center, Vionise Pierre-Louis finished with just four points and three rebounds in 27 minutes of action. Guard Gabbi Ortiz played all forty minutes and failed to register a single point. Oritz shot 0-8 in the game. Freshman guard Shaina Pellington led the Sooners with 22 points off the bench.

Florida will face Ohio State on Wednesday at 5:30 PM at Exactech Arena.

TEAM STATS:

WHAT’S NEXT:

Florida will face #8 Ohio State on Wednesday at 5:30 PM in Exactech Arena. The Buckeyes are 8-2 on the season and defeated Maine 83-70 on Sunday. OSU has only lost to #4 Louisville and #14 Duke thus far.

“Ohio State presents a whole other challenge. They have prolific guards and can shoot from the perimeter.” -Newbauer

Florida vs Ohio State

December 6, 2017

5:30 PM / Exactech Arena

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