Florida Women’s Basketball Ousted From SEC Tournament

The Florida Gators’ impressive SEC Tournament run came to an end Friday night when they fell to No. 9 LSU, 101-87, in the quarterfinals at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C.

Despite a strong second-half push, the Gators (16-17) could not overcome the Tigers’ dominant performance led by Aneesah Morrow’s 36-point effort.

Florida had six players reach double figures, the highest of the season. Freshman Liv McGill led the way with 16 points and six assists. Jeriah Warren followed with 14 points, shooting 50% from beyond the arc (4-8). Alexia Gassett recorded a career-high 13 points off the bench.

Florida had put together a strong showing in the SEC Tournament after being the only team in the SEC to win two consecutive games without receiving a bye.

How It Happened

First Half: LSU Takes Control
The Gators started the game trailing LSU (28-4) in the first quarter. Florida shot 46.2% from the field (6-13), but struggled on the boards, getting out-rebounded 13-7. The Tigers capitalized on second-chance opportunities, closing out the first period with a 26-16 lead.

Florida cut the deficit to five points early in the second quarter, but could not maintain momentum. The Gators struggled from beyond the arc (2-9) and were outscored 27-18 in the second quarter that led to a halftime score of 53-34.

Second Half: Gators Fight Back
Florida opened the third quarter with an 11-2 run, holding LSU to just one field goal in the first three minutes. The Gators forced turnovers and converted them into 11 points, finishing the quarter with 28 points — their highest-scoring period of the game.

However, LSU’s efficient shooting (50.7% from the field) and rebounding advantage (41-31) proved too much for Florida to overcome. The Tigers remained in control by holding the lead for the final 20 minutes of the game.

Key Stats & Takeaways

• Six Gators scored in double figures — the most in a single game this season: McGill (16), Warren (14), Gassett (13), Ra Shaya Kyle (11), Alexia Dizeko (10) and Laila Reynolds (10).
• Gassett set a career-high with 13 points.
• Kyle recorded her 15th double-double of the season (11 points, 11 rebounds).
• Florida outscored LSU in the second half (53-48).
• McGill led in assists for the 25th time this season.
• Florida forced 13 turnovers, converting them into 15 points.

What’s Next?

Florida now awaits a potential bid to the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament. The Gators competed in the WBIT last season and hosted a first-round game. But that was an invite with a 16-15 record. At 16-17, chances are slim of more postseason play for UF this year.