Coach Amanda Butler challenged her team to respond after an upset loss to Brown last weekend in which the team performed poorly in all facets of the game.
The Gators answered in nearly every possible way Tuesday.
Florida (8-2) notched season highs in points (86), field goal percentage (49.2), assists (19) and tied season highs in steals (11) and 3-point percentage (40.0) while routing Harvard (4-3) 86-65 in the O’Connell Center.
“I’m proud of the response and showing so much resilience in the face of a big, disappointing loss,” Butler said. “Now we just have to strive to have that same hunger, that same edge, that same feeling and that same level of confidence going forward.”
After missing Florida’s previous three games due to injury, Brittany Shine made an immediate impact in her return to the lineup. The freshman scored eight first-half points and added eight more in the second for a career-high 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting.
Shine, anxious to return, came off the bench to lead the Gators in scoring and also added three assists and a steal.
“It was more painful to sit out than it was to have my injury,” Shine said. “I’ve been itching to play for the past week.”
Florida fed the low post frequently to start the game and was able to create easy looks inside that amounted to 18 points in the paint at half.
Eight of those belonged to sophomore forward Jennifer George, who scored a season-high 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
The Gators led 43-27 at the break on the heels of a 10-2 run. The 43 points at the half were the Gators’ highest since putting up 45 in the season opener against DePaul on Nov. 18.
Florida’s defense forced 15 Harvard turnovers in the opening 20 minutes and continued to press coming out in the second. Lanita Bartley and Jordan Jones recorded steals off inbounds plays leading to easy buckets in transition and the rout was on.
Florida, keyed by its attacking defense, went on a 17-2 run midway through the second half, extending its lead to as much as 33 points.
Butler questioned the team’s leadership after the Brown loss and said she applies pressure to her guards to set the tone for the team.
Freshman guard Jaterra Bonds, making her first career start, rose to the challenge.
Bonds, one of four Gators to score in double digits, teamed with Bartley to run the offense with precision and tallied 11 points, three assists and a steal.
“When I’m on the floor, I try to lead in every way I can, whether I’m coming off the bench, in the huddle or if I’m starting,” Bonds said.
Florida carried a 20-plus point lead for much of the second half and the result was never in question.
In what is becoming a trend, all 12 Gators who suited up found their way onto the stat sheet and 11 scored. Butler said she and her players take pride in a collective effort.
“We’re a team,” Butler said. “It was contributions from everyone. When we play unselfish …we’re a great team and we can play with anyone, anywhere.”
