In 2005 Amanda Butler notched her first career victory as the head coach of the Charlotte 49ers. On Monday night, she reached another milestone against that very same team.
The Gators’ 76-70 victory against Charlotte (1-1) in the second round of the Preseason Women’s NIT gave Butler her 100th career win.
“There is absolutely nothing bitter about winning, regardless of who you’re playing against,” Butler said. “I’m just thankful to have coached as many good players as I have to reach that milestone.”
The Gators employed the same starting lineup used against UCF in the opener featuring newcomer Lanita Bartley at point guard and veteran Jordan Jones at shooting guard. Bartley’s second start in the orange and blue started much like the previous left off. She drove to the basket early and often, grabbed a couple of steals off inbounds plays and sparked the Gators to a 12-3 lead in the first four minutes.
But it was the play of Jones that would propel the Gators to a second straight victory and berth in the semifinals of the NIT. Jones had a team-high 19 points on a number of clutch shots, including a 3-of-5 showing from beyond the arc.
“[Jaterra Bonds] led us in the first game, and then I led us this game, but next game is going to be someone else,” Jones said. “It’s a different person stepping up each game, and that makes our jobs a lot easier.”
After substituting into a smaller lineup featuring freshmen Brittany Shine, Deaundra Young and Bonds, the Gators (2-0) extended their lead to 21-7 thanks to the fast tempo Butler and Co. have promised.
Shine showed off her best John Wall dance moves before the game and the impersonation carried over into her performance on the floor. She drained a three on a fast break then grabbed a long pass over the defense for an easy layup after a Charlotte miss.
Shine totaled nine points in just two minutes to propel the Gators to a 14-point lead.
“I just tried to be a little sparkplug out there,” Shine said. “I just try to bring energy every time I get in [the game].”
But Charlotte fought back, consistently beating the interior of UF’s defense with dribble penetration en route to 26 points in the paint in the first half. Entering the locker rooms, UF’s lead was down to a slim four points.
After the break, Charlotte’s defense began forcing the issue, bringing two and three defenders with a full-court press. The teams traded baskets for much of the second half with neither dominating the action.
Just 6:55 into the second half, Charlotte took its first lead since the opening minutes. But Jones stepped up for the Gators once again.
She drained a crucial three-pointer that put UF up 53-51 — a lead it wouldn’t relinquish the rest of the way.
But the game once again was determined in the final minutes. Center Azania Stewart snatched two key boards and made two free throws in that time to add to her double-double totals of 13 points and 10 rebounds.
“As long as we keep fighting and that effort stays consistent like that, then I feel good about our chances,” Butler said. “I didn’t think we played consistently with toughness until it really, really mattered.
“When you can win ugly, and when you grind it out against a good team like that you’ve got to walk away feeling really good and confident.”
Florida’s next game will be in the semifinals on Thursday at 8 p.m. against DePaul.
