Didn't see a game thread. Was fun to watch. I picked up in 3rd quarter, which was damn near ice-cold for us, scoring-wise. Defense held up. Going into 4th, I think we were 0-10 on threes. But a good effort in 4th to get the lead back and stay ahead. Was a little dicey with 28 seconds, 3 point lead, and we couldn't inbound a ball without a turnover. Hats off the Bertie for the 3 pointer which got the lead and unclogged the drain. Kudos to Kyle for receiving a couple of pretty feeds and hitting a point blank layup. And of course, Rickards for doing what she does on slashing. Deans was ice-cold. Not too much from bench other than Warren. Keep hoping things start clicking for Perry.
The first half was ugly basketball all around on both sides. A&M only dressed 8 so I think depth took over the 4th. Berte is our most consistent player, and yes Deans was ice cold. I still see some flashes from Taliyah that makes me think the light will eventually switch on and she will be a force in the paint for us. Merritt was not on the bench again. Correa was not dressed and in a boot. Really hoping we get Leilani back soon. Still not optimistic about Merritt playing a major role this year. If she comes back she has been out of practice, games, and team activities for what... over a month now I think. I forgot to mention Nina. She was rock solid as always.
My fault, my synopsis implied complaint. Quite the opposite. I was jacked up, walking around the house, fist-pumping in the last 4 min. I'm a basketball coward. I pause the game, watch ESPN for score updates, then catch up a bit. Repeat, repeat. I was doing that for this game. Felt like the last game minute took half an hour.
When she was still with the team the first couple of weeks, was there any indication of trouble? FWIW, count me as someone that endorses the complete silence. I think Kelly Rae and the admin are banking some cred this way.
I don't think it's a trouble issue... more like a mental health issue and needing to step away from the game from what I have seen.
Darn, I didn't realize the game was today. Anyway, glad we got the win. Never take a conference road game for granted.
the staffing issue cuts both ways. They played eight, we played nine with Tat being in for two minutes……
My hunch as well, which is why I applaud the handling. Some things are more important than fan service.
Gators WBK Kicks Off 2023 with a Road win over Texas A& M BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas – In a defensive slugfest, Florida women's basketball managed to open 2023 with a victory on the road at Texas A&M, defeating the Aggies 55-48 on Sunday afternoon. The Gators (12-3, 1-1 SEC) were led by Nina Rickards with 14 points while Ra Shaya Kyle (12) and Alberte Rimdal (10) also reached double-figures for the Orange & Blue. As a team, Florida ended 22-of-55 (40%) from the field and 2-of-13 (60%) from three-point range, with both coming from Rimdal. On the glass, Florida outrebounded Texas A&M (5-7, 0-2 SEC) 33-27, led by seven from Rickards. Senior Faith Dut brought down five and Jeriah Warren also ended with five, four of which were offensive. Florida allowed just two offensive rebounds for the Aggies. In the paint, UF held a 36-14 scoring advantage. Defensively, the Gators held Texas A&M to 18-of-41 (41.9%) shooting and a 4-of-9 (44.4%) effort from three. The Orange & Blue forced 13 turnovers that resulted in 13 points and translated into four steals. Leading 46-44, UF crashed the offensive glass on a crucial possession with 3:28 left in the game and Warren gave the Gators a 48-44 lead off of a second-chance opportunity. The Gators put the nail in the coffin on the next possession as it was again Rimdal sinking a three to extend the lead to seven. Florida managed to capitalize on the momentum, holding on for a 55-48 win. Up Next Florida will hit the road again on Thursday, Jan. 5, when they travel to Fayetteville, Ark., for an 8 p.m. ET matchup with the Razorbacks. Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley On Sunday's game… "It was a really competitive, great game. Both teams played hard and it was probably more of a chess match than it was a game of checkers today. I liked our team's effort and I liked our ability to finish down the stretch. Something that we've been working on is we have to learn how to win. We have to learn how to win in this league, so I liked how we finished." On overcoming shooting woes… "I believe, as a coach, in training your mind probably more so than you train your body and different things like that. I think both teams really wanted this game and we have the upmost respect for Joni and her staff and how they play the game of basketball. Going into the fourth quarter, I just asked our team to take a deep breath, close their eyes and imagine a big trash can and that was going to be the rim. You're shooting with a pebble and get that ball to go into the trash can. Sometimes when you take the pressure off of each shot, somebody's got to shoot in order to score, and it paid off for us in the fourth quarter." On the slow pace of the game… "They like to play at quite a bit slower of a pace than we do and they did a really nice job of playing at their pace. They were able to sit under our ball handler in transition, so we couldn't get any easy looks quickly at the rim, which slowed us down and made us go into our half court offenses. That definitely played to their advantages." Notables - Florida picked-up their third-ever win against the Aggies and second on the road. - The Gators move to 2-2 when playing on New Year's Day, with their last win coming on Jan. 1, 1990, against Maine, 78-73. - Freshman Myka Perry recorded a career-best four points. - The Gators took care of the ball, recording a season-low nine turnovers. - Florida officially recorded their 800th win as a program, becoming the 13th SEC program to accomplish the feat. - Holding the Aggies to 48 points, the Gators improve to 21-0 under Kelly Rae Finley when holding opponents to 60 points or less. full recap at :Florida Opens 2023 with Victory at Texas A&M - Florida Gators Women’s Basketball Drops Defensive Slugfest to Florida, 55-48 - Texas A&M Athletics - 12thMan.com
I have big expectations for Jeriah Warren. She started to show some good stuff late in her freshman season and this season she's emerged as one of our better rebounders. And her overall game seems to be getting more well-rounded. I haven't followed the Gators' every minute, but early on I don't believe Myka Perry was seeing the floor unless it was a blowout. Now she seems to be getting minutes here and there in competitive games. That might be due to us being without Correa and Merritt, but it's still a good sign. Look for her in the regular rotation next season with lots of PT.
The WBkb played on Sunday? There is tackle football on Sunday! Just don’t understand how someone can watch WBB. It’s a bad product. Happy for the girls to have scholar opportunities and I believe in Title 9 but this over the NFL ??
I like what little I have seen from Myka as a true freshmen who didn't play early in the season. The offense isn't where I hope it to be YET, but she is in position most of the time and I am impressed with her handling.
