ChompTalk.com

The Florida women’s basketball team has made significant strides in the third year of the Cameron Newbauer era.

After defeating Xavier in the West Palm Beach Invitational on Friday, the Gators sit at 8-3 on the season, equaling their win total from a year ago.

Despite a lead by as many as 11, it took some clutch shots from the charity stripe to close out the victory for Florida.

Florida got out to a fast start, opening with the first seven points and rolling to an early 15-4 lead. The Gators took a 35-28 advantage into the halftime break.

Both teams struggled to find offense in the third quarter, but Xavier closed to within four points at 42-38 by the start the final period.

The Musketeers slimmed the margin to one possession, but a quick 7-0 run by UF put the Gators on top by ten with 5:17 remaining in regulation.

Xavier made a run in the final minute and after a pair of three-pointers inside the final 30 seconds, the Musketeers found themselves down just one at 65-64.

Sophomore Ariel Johnson was intentionally fouled and knocked down both free throws to seal the Florida win.

Individual Stats:

• Zada Williams: career high 25 points, 7 rebounds
• Lavender Briggs: 14 points, 9 rebounds
• Kiara Smith: 8 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
• Nina Rickards: 5 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists

Team Stats:

• FG% – 40
• 3FG% – 26
• FT% – 44
• Reb +/- – +6
• Assists – 19
• TO – 14
• Bench Points – 11

What’s Next:

Florida will face Wake Forest on Saturday at 12:15 PM to complete the West Palm Beach Invitational.

The Demon Deacons are 6-4 on the year and defeated Dayton 78-59 in a Friday matchup as part of the West Palm Beach Invitational.