The Gator women’s basketball team is set to face off against 10th ranked Kentucky (14-3) tonight in Lexington. The team will be looking to get back on track and snap a two game losing streak in their first contest against a nationally ranked opponent this season. The Gators are have lost three of their last four road games and have just a 2-4 road record on the season so far.
The Wildcats own the all-time season series against the Gators 25-22 and have won four of the last five meetings against UF in Memorial Coliseum. This will could be a tight contest because in each of their last eight match-ups, the game has been decided by 10 points or less. This does not bode well for the Gators because they have been just 2-5 in games decided by 10 points or fewer this season.
The Gators may also be without guard Carlie Needles for a second consecutive game as she recovers from the concussion she suffered against Ole Miss last Thursday. Guard Antoinette Bannister is also recovering from the MCL knee sprain she suffered against Ole Miss and will most likely be unavailable for tonight’s game.
The key to this game for the Gators will be their defense and their ball security. The Wildcats have the third ranked offense in the SEC, averaging 77 points per game behind their leading scorer guard Jennifer O’Neill and rank second among league teams in turnover margin (+7). UF has had major ball security issues as of late and cannot afford to continue turning the ball over in this game if they want to upset Kentucky.
You can hear the game live on ESPN 850 WRUF starting at 6:45 pm.