ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF
The Florida women’s basketball team dropped its third consecutive game in an 89-69 defeat to the 11th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers Thursday in Knoxville.
The Gators now sit at 13-6 on the season and 3-3 in the SEC.
One of the stories of the game was the three-point shooting by both teams. The Gators shot 5-20 from beyond the arc, while Tennessee shot 10-21 from beyond the arc, led by guard Meighan Simmons, who was 5-10 from long distance.
Florida coach Amanda Butler discussed the 3-point shooting of the Volunteers.
“They had some kids step up and hit shots that don’t typically do that,” Butler said. “Meighan Simmons hitting five though, that’s not a surprise.”
The Gators improved in one area where they have struggled over the past few games.
After being outrebounded by 21 rebounds and 20 rebounds against LSU and Georgia, respectively, the Gators drastically improved on the glass.
The Gators lost the rebounding battle again, but only by a margin of one, 38-37.
Butler was pleased with the improvement, but still had some issues with her teams performance.
“Part of what we wanted to do was neutralize that rebounding effect that they can have on you,” Butler said. “But, the rebounds that we gave up seemed to be so timely.”
The Gators were led in scoring by forward Kayla Lewis, who had 14 points along with six rebounds. Forward Ronni Williams added 12 points to go with seven rebounds, and senior guard Jaterra Bonds added 10 points to go along with her seven rebounds.
Antoinette Bannister played in her second game back from injury and scored 10 points off the bench.
Butler said she was pleased with Bannister’s play and the energy she gave the Gators off the bench.
The Gators will look to turn it around on Sunday when they return home to take on the Auburn Tigers.
For sound for the game, click below.
Amanda Butler talks the team’s play at times during the game
Butler talks about the rebounding performance
Butler talks about the play of Ronni Williams
Butler talks about Tennessee’s three-point shooting
Butler talks about the play of Antoinette Bannister
Butler talks about playing in the SEC and taking on Auburn
