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Florida is back in the win column with a well-rounded victory against Arkansas. The Gators had five players score double-digits, with Liv McGill and Me’Arah O’Neal leading the way.

Heading into this game, both squads were 2-and-6 in conference play. Florida broke its 4-game losing streak, improving to 12-11 on the season. 

“We were really locked into the game and very selfless in our style of play. But that’s who we really are and how we like to play Gator basketball,” said Florida Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley.

The Gators got off to a quick start and went on a 10-0 run a minute into the game. 

O’Neal was back in action and wasted no time. The freshman hit two threes in the opening quarter and Florida shot 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. 

Izzy Higginbottom emerged in the first with nine points. The lifelong Razorback averages 23.6 points per game, leading the SEC and is top-five in D1 women’s basketball. 

The Gators took a double-digit lead after one, 28-16.

Florida’s defense contained Arkansas in the second, holding them to 26% shooting from the field and 14% from deep.

The Razorbacks only saving grace was drawing fouls. Arkansas shot 9-for-15 from the charity stripe, while the Gators didn’t take a single free throw all half. 

Florida was ahead at halftime, 54-32.

The Gators put its foot on the gas in the second half.

Florida’s freshman duo orchestrated a 7-0 run halfway through the third, keeping the momentum from swinging. 

O’Neal provided energizing buckets the whole game, scoring 19, her career-high. 

McGill and Ra Shaya Kyle each recorded a double-double thanks to their dominance of the paint and court vision.

“She had a heck of a game and I really challenged her—Liv is a competitor and she really wants to win,” said Finley. “We watched film the other day and her improvement in her angles and her understanding of where the ball needs to go and when has been tremendous.”

Jeriah Warren hit a buzzer-beater three to end the third, contributing to Florida’s 13 triples on the night, a season-high. 

Higginbottom hit her career-high late in the fourth quarter at 40, however, it was too late to catch the Gators.

Florida cruised to a 30-point victory, 108-78, scoring the most points in SEC play in program history. 

The Gators will ride the momentum into Thursday’s matchup against No.18 Alabama.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in the O’Dome and can be streamed on SECN.