Women’s Hoops Win Big on Super Bowl Sunday, 67-58

The Florida women’s basketball team (11-11, 3-6) jumped back of the winning track Sunday when it defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores (12-10, 4-6) in Tennessee, 67-58.

Senior Kayla Lewis and junior Cassie Peoples were the leaders of the team. Lewis scored a career-high 18 points and Peoples recorded 11 points and five assists.

“I’m really, really proud of the way we communicated with each other. This is such a tough gym and brings challenges to you but the main one is your leadership, especially from the point guard position right down to everyone on the court,” said Gator coach Amanda Butler.

Butler saw her team go from 9 of 19 from the free throw line against Missouri to 18 of 19 against Vandy. Florida shot 53% from the field, and 38% from behind the arc.

January Miller and Carlie Needles also had big games for the Gators. Needles finished with 10 points, with 9 of the 10 coming from 3 point shots.  Miller also finished with 10, going a perfect 6 of 6 from the free throw line.

“We had great guard play today. January Miller made plays in some crucial moments. Cassie Peoples made great decisions with the ball in her hands. Carlie Needles hit timely threes. Right across the board we had contributing players and they were crucial in big moments,” said Butler.

With the big win, the Gators are now 11th in SEC rankings behind Vanderbilt. They are approaching their last seven games of the season, with 6 of the seven coming against teams above them in the SEC.  The Gators will match up against Vanderbilt once again on February 19th at home.

Next up for the Gators is their last bye week of the season. The team won’t be back in action until Sunday when they take on the Tennessee Volunteers at home. Tip-off is set for 2pm.