When a starter goes down, the next player in line is expected to step up.
After captain Jordan Jones was lost to a concussion, freshman Brittany Shine was thrust into the lineup.
She responded with a career-high 28 points against Alabama State in her first career start on Monday, and again propelled Florida to victory on Tuesday.
Shine scored 19 points to lead all scorers as Florida (10-3) defeated Robert Morris (4-6) 70-50 to take home the Gator Holiday Classic win on Tuesday.
“We had to make sure we got this ‘W’ at home,” Shine said. “We just wanted a championship. It feels great.”
Shine’s 47 points in two games earned her tournament-MVP honors and the championship is Florida’s second tournament win this season.
Taking care of the ball and leading the offense, Florida’s guards were again the key to victory. The Gators totaled a season-low 11 turnovers, nearly six better than their season average, and distributed 14 assists.
Shine was joined in double-digits by point guards Jaterra Bonds and Lanita Bartley with 13 points and 12 points, respectively.
Two of the key contributors are freshmen and all three guards weren’t on the team last season, something coach Amanda Butler acknowledged afterward.
“They are doing what we brought them here to do,” Butler said. “We put them on the floor and put them in very important positions early on to win ballgames. There’s a great chemistry and a great blend there that can’t be overlooked.”
Bonds was named to the All-Tournament Team and Bartley added 25 points over the two contests.
The Gators again got off to a fast start with a 6-1 lead, but Robert Morris hung tough and the score was 19-14 with just over 10 minutes to play in the first half. But Florida proceeded to go on a 12-3 run extending its lead to 31-17 with 5 minutes to go.
Florida entered the break with an 11-point lead but Butler continued to tweak.
“Our changes that we made from day one of the tournament to day two and even at halftime, I think it’s an indication that we are getting better and maturing a little bit and that we are wanting to be a really good team,” Butler said.
The Gators brought the same intensity to the second half, forcing 11 turnovers out of Robert Morris guard Yohanna Morton leading to the easy points in transition Florida is becoming known for.
The win was Florida’s 10th straight non-conference win at home, but the schedule is now taking a difficult turn. After enjoying some time off for the holidays the Gators will travel to Tallahassee on Dec. 28 to take on the No. 15-ranked Florida State Seminoles, the last game before Southeastern Conference play begins.
“I want them to go home, take a deep breath, enjoy their families and celebrate Christmas and have that special time, but I want them to have FSU on their minds,” Butler said. “I want them to understand how important that game is. As Gators, we always know that that one is a little bit special.”
