ChompTalk.com

The Gators strung together a solid run to reach the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament quarterfinals. However, it ended on Friday night with a 101-87 loss to LSU. 

The Gators were defeated earlier this season by the Tigers, with LSU’s big three, Mikaylah Williams, Annessah Morrow and Flaujae Johnson dropping 22, 21 and 19, respectively. 

Once again, Morrow figured out Florida’s defense early, scoring eight of the Tigers’ first 10. The experienced guard helped fuel the offense without Flaujae Johnson in the mix. Johnson will not play in the SEC tournament due to shin inflammation. 

The Gators turned the ball over eight times in the first quarter, leading to 13 Tiger points and a lack of offensive rhythm. 

Florida didn’t let the mistakes linger and orchestrated a 9-0 run, pulling to within three thanks to Jeriah Warren and Liv McGill. McGill, who was coming off a career-high 29-point performance, continued her hot streak, with 11 first-half points. 

Mjracle Sheppard ended the first with five straight points, putting the Tigers up 10. 

The Gators began the second with a newfound urgency. Florida forced turnovers and converted with a Jeriah Warren three-pointer. Warren had seven points in the first half, six coming from deep. 

“I think my teammates did a great job of finding me. Everybody kept telling me to shoot the ball and be aggressive,” said Warren.

Me’Arah O’Neal, who secured nine boards against Alabama, picked up where she left off with an offensive rebound and putback, cutting Florida’s deficit in half.

The momentum shifted to the Tigers shortly after, as LSU focused on ball movement and capitalizing off the Gators’ mistakes. Morrow had 16 first-half points and the Tigers shot over 50% from the field. 

Florida couldn’t find the same success, hitting only 3-of-14 triples. The Gators were held scoreless for the final two minutes and LSU headed into the half ahead, 53-34. 

The Gators improved its defensive presence as the third began, putting together a 7-0 run. However, Florida’s accomplishments were matched with a Morrow masterclass. 

The SEC All-First Team selection totaled 36 points and 14 rebounds. Morrow broke the LSU SEC Tournament record for points and tallied her 101st double-double. 

Florida continued to fight as the game continued, outscoring the Tigers in the third and fourth quarters. Six Florida players reached double figures in scoring, however, the Tigers matched the energy all night and walked away with a trip to the semifinals.

Although Florida’s tournament run is over, Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley is confident with the future of the program and the returning players. 

“They’re competitors who absolutely love the game,” said Finley. “They’re workers and have the right mindset and mentality. They’re very connected to each other and that’s what it takes to build moving forward.”

Florida will return standouts Liv McGill, Me’Arah O’Neal and Laila Reynolds. In addition, redshirt freshman Kylie Kitts will find action come next fall. 

In the meantime, Finley hopes the Gators earn an opportunity to compete in the WBIT. The 32-team bracket will be announced on Sunday, March 16.

Florida finished its season 16-17 overall and 5-11 in conference play.