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Final: Florida 66, Charlotte 65

Backed by a career night from Freshman forward Jordyn Merritt, the Florida Gators survived and advanced in the Women’s NIT with a 66-65 win over Charlotte on Friday.

The freshman from Plano, Texas finished with 17 points and 18 rebounds while senior Kiki Smith added 21 points in the effort.

How It Happened:

The Gators jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first two minutes of play and led by as many as 8 as the first quarter clock was winding down.

Florida kept control throughout play in the second quarter, but both teams traded baskets most of the way through. At the halftime break, the Gators led 35-32.

The Florida lead swelled to six by the media timeout in the third, but it took less than two minutes for the 49ers even the score. A buzzer beating basket by Charlotte gave the 49ers the advantage heading into the fourth.

The first half of the final period saw back and forth action from both squads. Florida did take a five point lead with 3:23 to play after a Merritt layup.

A turnover by the Gators was scooped up for an easy Charlotte bucket to tie the game with twenty seconds. A foul sent freshman Brynn Farrell to the free throw line with a chance to win the game. The Garden State native calmly sank both free throws to give the Gators a 66-64 lead. With twelve seconds remaining in regulation a foul send Charlotte’s Jazmin Harris to the line with a chance to even the game. Unlike Farrell, Harris only knocked down the first and Merritt grabbed the board to secure the victory for the Gators.

Individual Stats:

• Smith: 21 P, 6 R, 4 A, 7 Steals
• Merritt: 17 P, 18 R, 7-13 FG
• Moore: 9 P, 5 R

What’s Next:

Florida will face Villanova in the second round of the WNIT on Saturday. The game will be streamed on FloHoops and will tip-off at 8:00 PM.

The Wildcats (16-6) defeated Massachusetts 78-51 in first round action on Friday.