It appeared the Gators women’s basketball team viewed the beginning of Southeastern Conference play as a fresh start, and that the team would turn the corner and correct the problems that have plagued Florida in non-conference play.
But the Gators wasted a dominant start, letting LSU claw its way back, and Florida opened SEC play with a 68-65 loss at home to the Tigers of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
After shocking LSU and jumping out to a forceful 14-0 start, the Gators seemingly lowered the intensity level, and the Tigers slowly chipped away at the lead. By halftime, LSU had completed the comeback and tied the score at 30, taking all of the momentum into the break.
Coach Amanda Butler, frustrated with the team’s offensive efficiency at times, said Florida (8-6, 0-1 SEC) needs to work on a more balanced scoring attack if the Gators hope to compete in the tenacious SEC - a conference that boasts six teams ranked in the AP top 25, the most of any conference.
“We are obviously very disappointed, having the opportunities we had and then having the critical breakdowns we did,” Butler said. “Again, not defending the three-point line very well. The long and short of it is, you’re on this SEC ride now and you’ve got real quick turnarounds, and you’ve got to figure out what you didn’t do well and how to correct it, and then get ready for the next one. You can’t hang your head and pout and cry, because the next team is going to present you with the same amount, if not more, challenges.”
Florida’s guards shot a combined 6-for-27 from the field, often being forced into contested shots by a stingy LSU defense. Kayla Lewis scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds as part of a strong performance by Florida’s post players. Ronni Williams also scored in double figures for the Gators, adding 14 points off the bench.
With how encouraging the post play has been, the Gators need to show more confidence in throwing the ball down low, which in turn will create more open opportunities for Florida’s sharp-shooting guards. January Miller is a combined 4-for-25 in her last two games, and the Gators have blown leads and opportunities repeatedly by simply shooting themselves out of a lead the team has created.
“I think we have great shooters, and I think the problem is with understanding when those moments are there and what’s working,” Butler said. “You don’t want to take a shooters confidence away, but no question (that) 22 attempts from the three-point line with the way the game was played tonight was too many, and we have to have more discipline and discernment in those moments and get the ball in the paint.”
Follow Graham Hall on Twitter @Graham311
Coach Amanda Butler and guard Carlie Needles stand on the sideline during Florida’s 68-62 loss to Georgia on Sunday in the O’Connell Center. Needles scored six points on two three-point shots in Florida’s 89-69 loss to Tennessee on Thursday at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn.
