Survive and advance. That’s the name of the game this time of year. And that’s exactly what the Florida women did on Wednesday.
The 13-seeded Gators defeated 12-seeded Ole Miss 64-57 to open the SEC Tournament on Wednesday behind a strong defensive performance.
Florida received major contributions from junior G Delicia Washington and senior G Funda Nakkasoglu, who each scored 17 points.
The Gators came out with a defensive intensity that allowed the team to take an early lead. At halftime, the score was only 18-16.
Florida built a big lead in the third and fourth quarters, (as big as 17 in the fourth) en route to the victory.
Fast stats:
- Delicia Washington scored 17 points and added 8 rebounds in 29 minutes off the bench.
- Funda Nakkasoglu scored 17 on 4-10 shooting, including 3-7 from deep.
- Florida recorded 14 fast break points but allowed Ole Miss none.
- After only scoring 18 first half points, the Gators scored 46 in the second half.
Quotable
- Coach Cam Newbauer: “Really proud of our squad for the toughness and resilience that we showed from a defensive standpoint.”
- Senior guard Funda Nakkasoglu: “just having confidence in each other. We play for each other.”
- Junior guard Delicia Washington: “coming out of halftime, being a little more aggressive and giving up good shots for great shots.
What’s next:
Florida will face Missouri in the second round of the SEC Tournament on Thursday. The Gators defeated the Tigers in Gainesville 58-56 in January.