A complete team effort vaulted the Florida women’s basketball team into the 24th Annual Gator Holiday Classic Championship, as the Gators handedly defeated Southern University 78-49 on Sunday afternoon in the O’Connell Center.
With five Florida (7-4) players scoring in double figures, the Gators were able to jump out to an early lead and coasted to the finish line. A stifling defensive performance proved to be the key, as Florida forced Southern (2-7) into 30 turnovers and scored 35 points off of those miscues.
After Southern scored the first five points of the game, it appeared Florida would face another early deficit due to a slow start. That wasn’t the case, however, as the Gators quickly went on a 19-4 run to take a double digit lead, and Florida would hold the lead for the rest of the game.
Coach Amanda Butler, who has remained critical yet patient of the team’s pace even in victories, had nothing but praise for the way the team opened the game, dictating the pace and flow of the ball game.
“I really loved our first half,” Butler said. “I thought we really came out and kind of skipped a couple beats in those first couple possessions but then from there really just took control of the game defensively. I think that was really, really important for us. We’ve been working hard on our defense.”
Cassie Peoples had 13 points for the Gators, showcasing another strong shooting performance from the field. The redshirt junior started the season off slowly, but has been rounding into form as of late.
Despite leading Florida in turnovers with six, Peoples has done an increasingly capable job of proving she can be a dual-threat guard – one who can find open teammates, yet be comfortable enough to take the open shot if need be. As hurtful as the turnovers can be, Peoples was quick to highlight the improvements the team has made – namely on the defensive end, which has benefited from elevated intensity.
“We started the game pretty strong and we started with our defense being aggressive,” Peoples said. “Eventually teams get tired of us constantly coming at them. Once we get one turnover it rattles them into a second and then into a third, so we get on a roll from there. I think our consistent intensity helps us.”
Bench scoring has been key for Florida, who improved to 6-3 when the bench players outscore the opponents bench. It was a well-balanced effort from the entire roster with all 11 players who dressed for Florida getting on the scoreboard, the first time the Gators have completed that feat this season.
With Eastern Washington defeating Georgia Southern 55-42 in the first game of the tournament, the Gators have a quick turnaround as they face the Eagles of Eastern Washington in the Championship game tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. Georgia Southern takes on Southern at noon in the consolation game.
Follow Graham Hall on Twitter @Graham311
Cassie Peoples goes for a layup during Florida's season-opening win against Jacksonville.
