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After another turnover-filled game, Florida lost 80-63 Sunday against the No.6 LSU Tigers. Despite the struggles, the fourth-largest crowd in Florida women’s basketball history packed the O’Dome with 6,568 people. 

The Tigers got off to a hot start, going on a 7-0 run in the game’s first minute. The Gators took a timeout to regroup and bounced back with a similar run, swinging momentum.

Ra Shaya Kyle owned the paint in the first quarter with seven points and three boards. Florida shot its best in the first, hitting 47% of field goals and 50% of threes. 

The Gators led 21-15 after the first ten, thanks to efforts on the glass. 

Florida struggled to shoot the ball in the second, making only 23.5% of shots. However, freshman point guard Liv McGill matched the Tiger’s energy, scoring nine of the Gators 12 in the second quarter. McGill once again scored in double-digits with 21 total points.

“She’s incredible. I challenged our staff to find another freshman in Power-four basketball who has the responsibility that she [Liv] has for our team. I can’t think of one,” said Florida Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley.

The lack of overall offensive production led to opportunities for the Tigers. Florida also committed a handful of fouls, sending LSU to the line for 11 free throws.

Entering this game, the Tigers averaged just over 48 rebounds a game, the second-best in the SEC. Florida managed to outrebound LSU, 27-18 in the first half, keeping the game close. 

The Gators trailed by four at the half, 37-33. 

As the third quarter began, so did Gator turnovers. Florida committed 14 total mistakes in the second half, and 24 throughout the game. 

Kim Mulkey’s team took full advantage of the errors and pushed the pace, scoring 22 points off of the turnovers. 

LSU ran away with the game in the fourth, totaling 17 straight unanswered points through the first five minutes. 

“When you can empty [the bench] and play everybody on your team with five minutes to go in the game and you’re up 28, knowing what we face next, that’s a good day,” said LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey.

The Tigers big three of Flaujae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow and Mikayla Williams scored 19, 20 and 22 respectively, ruining the Gator’s chances of a comeback. 

Florida didn’t score a fourth-quarter point until 4:13 remained in the game and at that point it was too late. 

LSU improves to 20-0 for only the second time in program history, while Florida falls to 2-4 in SEC play and 11-9 overall. 

The Gators are back in action on the road against Auburn (10-9, 1-5) on Sunday, January 26. The Tigers will battle Mississippi State on Thursday before its matchup against Florida. 

Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.