Gators women’s basketball in WNIT Sweet 16

The Florida women’s basketball team is in action tonight as they face the Charlotte 49ers in the third round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT). The Gators earned their way to this point with wins on the road against Florida International and Winthrop.

Florida has played seven games against Charlotte before tonight’s matchup. The Gators hold the advantage with a 6-1 record, but the 49ers grabbed a win when it counted most – the third round of the WNIT in 2011. They handed UF an 81-77 overtime loss.

The Gators are coming off a strong performance against Winthrop, where they put up 85 points. It’s the second biggest win in a postseason game for the program.

“Arguably one of the best shooting nights we’ve had all season,” said David Lowery, Florida assistant coach. “From both ends, the inside and the outside, it was great to go out there and play that well.”

Meanwhile, the 49ers beat Davidson 72-60 to reach this point of the tournament. The 49ers have a fast paced offense and can score in the post.

“We know their inside game is very unique,” Lowery said. “Their transition game is exceptional. Their rebounding is also very good. They do some things similar to the two first teams we played in this NIT, and I think that helps us out a lot.”

Florida shares other ties with Charlotte, the most notable being the fact Gator head coach Amanda Butler was the skipper at Charlotte from 2005 to 2007. Butler posted a 40-22 record and two WNIT trips in her time with the 49ers.

The Gators will be on the road for a third time in this round as the game will be at Halton Arena in Charlotte, N.C. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.