It was a chaotic weekend for the Gators in the Bahamas.
Florida lost its first game to a previously winless Illinois State team 68-64 on Friday.
Everything went wrong for the Gators in the first half against the Redbirds. Florida shot 32 percent from the field and was 0-for-7 from three-point range in the first 20 minutes. The Redbirds shot 46.4 percent and led the Gators 35-24 at halftime.
“Illinois State was clearly just a lot more ready to play than the Gators were [Friday], and I have to take responsibility for that,” coach Amanda Butler said. “I’m just really, really embarrassed by the way we played in the first half, but then you have to give Illinois State credit for that.”
Florida rallied in the second half, but the Gators could not hold on despite a 24-point night from Jaterra Bonds.
The following day, Florida took on a tougher Oregon State team in a consolation game.
On paper, the Gators were severely outmatched by the Beavers, who featured three players 6 feet or taller in their starting lineup. Oregon State’s center, sophomore Ruth Hamblin, is 6-foot-6.
Those suspicions were confirmed in the first half; Florida fell behind 35-31 by halftime.
But seemingly all of the Gators’ weaknesses turned into strengths against the Beavers in the second half.
Florida avoided significant foul trouble. Even Ronni Williams, who has been plagued by foul trouble this season, was eligible the entire game.
The Gators also outrebounded the Beavers 45-37 in their 73-70 victory.
“To win the rebounding battle is huge,” Butler said. “It was exactly what we needed to do and it was exactly how we needed to play. I just loved, loved our toughness in this game.”
January Miller led the way for Florida in points for the third time in four games, scoring 19 points on 60 percent shooting. Fifteen of her 19 points came in the second half.
Follow Gordon Streisand on Twitter @GordonStreisand.
