The Florida Gators are off to a 2-0 start in the 2022-23 season following a defensive masterpiece Sunday afternoon. The Gators forced UNC-Asheville into 35 turnovers on the way to an 86-40 win at Exactech Arena.
Despite going almost three minutes without a made bucket to open the contest, Florida responded in a big way, finishing with a 22-11 advantage after the first quarter.
The Gators missed their first six attempts of the second quarter though the defense didn’t allow Asheville to close the gap at all. Florida actually added to their lead while holding the Bulldogs to 3-12 from the floor in the second period. At the break, Florida possessed a 37-23 lead.
While Florida struggled early on in the first half, the came out hot in the second half. The Gators went on an immediate 10-0 run that stretched the lead to 47-23. By the end of the third quarter, Florida owned a 32 point advantage and the rout was on.
In all, UNC-A managed just seventeen points in the entire second half. For the game, the Bulldogs shot just 25% from the field and made just one of eighteen from beyond the three-point arc. Additionally, Florida’s defense caused twenty steals led by five from KK Deans.
Four Gators scored in double digits led by Leilani Correa with 17. Deans finished with 13 while Jordyn Merritt and Ra Shaya Kyle each added 11. Kyle added 15 rebounds for her first double-double with the Orange and Blue.
The Gators will travel to Tallahassee to face rival Florida State Wednesday. The Seminoles are 3-0 early in the season. Tipoff is slated for 6:00 PM with ACC Network+ carrying the broadcast.