ChompTalk.com

The Florida Gators improved to 5-1 on the season with a 70-48 win at UNC-Asheville on Wednesday.

The Gators were quick out of the gates, grabbing a 21-9 lead through one quarter of play. Florida added to it’s lead before halftime, entering the break with a 36-22 advantage.

The Gators then turned up the defense coming out of the half and allowed the Bulldogs just seven points in the third period of play. Florida took advantage and surmounted a lead of as much as 26 to open the final quarter of play.

The Bulldogs outscored Florida 19-15 in the final quarter, but the game was never in doubt.

Sophomore Lavender Briggs led the effort with 20 points while senior guard Kiki Smith added 15. Sophomore forward Faith Dut scored a career-high 14 points and added five rebounds. Fellow forward (freshman) Floor Toonders added a career best 7 points on 3-5 from the floor.

UF Team Stats:

• FG% – 49.2% (30-61)
• 3FG% – 26.7% (4-15)
• FT% – 50% (6-12)
• Rebounds – 42
• O Rebounds – 11
• Reb Margin – +13
• Assists – 18
• Steals – 4
• Turnovers – 21

Player Stats:

• Briggs: 20 p, 5 r, 3 a
• Smith: 15 p, 5 r, 6 a
• Dut: 14 p, 6-8 FG, 5 r, 2 blk
• Toonders: 7 p, 3-5 FG 5 r, 12 min

What’s Next:

Florida was originally scheduled to play At Dayton on Dec. 20, but the program announced the cancellation of that game on Thursday. The Gators are looking to add to their schedule and a replacement game should be announced soon. Currently, the Gators are next scheduled to take on North Florida on December 22 in Gainesville.