When Florida and Kentucky square off in the O’Connell Center tonight at 7, the Gators will be up against more than just the No. 19 team in the nation.
UF is also faced with the arduous task of trying to stop the reigning Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, senior forward Victoria Dunlap.
The 6-foot-1 Dunlap has been held under 10 points just twice this season, with both coming in blowout victories against inferior opponents, and her 17.7 scoring average is currently tops in the SEC.
But ask UF team captain Azania Stewart if Dunlap can be stopped, and the Florida center doesn’t hesitate to respond confidently.
“There’s always a way to stop her,” Stewart said. “You’ve got to get into her head and you’ve got to play early defense. Dunlap is playing great right now, and we know that if they need a play or a big bucket, it’s going in to her.”
Although coach Amanda Butler said they will employ double teams in an effort to contain Dunlap, she wouldn’t go as far to say that one of the nation’s best scorers can be kept in check.
“I certainly hope [we can stop her],” Butler said. “I don’t think it’s one of those challenges that’s a one-woman job. We’ll probably have a couple different approaches to try and neutralize her a little bit — if it’s possible.”
In addition to her ability to score, Dunlap is also an accomplished defender. The Wildcats senior leads the SEC and is seventh in the nation in steals, a rare feat for a power forward. She is also tied for third with Stewart for the conference lead in blocked shots.
However, Butler said the most important part of Dunlap’s game, and the aspect that Florida must suppress in order to succeed, is her ability on the glass.
A candidate for the John R. Wooden Award, which goes to the nation’s best player, Dunlap is third in the SEC with a 9.3 rebounding average. She also racks up an average of 3.5 offensive rebounds per game, which, Butler said, is a major component of her offensive attack.
“Where a lot of her points come from are second chances,” Butler said. “She’s playing very, very well, and no question, [she’s] the leader for that team, statistically and emotionally.”
Dunlap’s leadership is something that can’t be overlooked.
The Gators, who have struggled containing their opposition’s star players, are searching for a leader of their own to step up in pivotal moments and provide similar direction.
Against Georgia on Sunday, Florida allowed the Bulldogs’ leading scorer, Jasmine James, to knock down three wide-open looks from long distance in the waning minutes to put the dagger in a 16-point, come-from-behind victory.
“One of the things about this team that’s been rewarding on one hand and frustrating on the other is that we’ve learned a lot of lessons, but we’ve unfortunately had to learn them the hard way,” Butler said.
After two consecutive unsettling defeats, multiple Gators said the opportunity of a home game against Dunlap and Kentucky provides a shot at redemption.
“It’s going to a challenge for these young guys and us to … show the fans that we weren’t who we were against Tennessee,” guard Jordan Jones said. “That’s one thing this team responds to is — a challenge.”
