In a game that didn't look too frightening on the schedule, UF got more than a scare Wednesday night at Alabama-Birmingham and had to survive late.
The Gators (7-1) needed a layup by Sha Brooks with 5 seconds remaining to help them escape with a 77-75 win against the Blazers (2-5) to extend their winning streak to seven.
UF coach Amanda Butler had no doubt what would happen with the game on the line and Brooks leading the way.
"There's no question that's whose hands we wanted the ball to be in," Butler said. "She wanted the ball. Her teammates wanted her to have the ball, and we truly expected her to make that play."
After struggling in the first half and not being able to match the effort of her counterpart, Blazers guard Britney Jones, Brooks responded to her coach's challenge by finishing with 15 points and six assists.
"I am especially proud of Sha because I went at Sha pretty hard at halftime," Butler said. "I was not pleased with her fight in the first half, and Britney Jones was just, quite simply, outplaying her. (Brooks) really stepped up her game and took over, especially on that last play."
UF trailed for much of the game and was down by as many as 11 midway through the second half.
The Gators were fueled by back-to-back threes from guards Lonnika Thompson and Trumae Lucas. Those deep shots sparked a 20-0 run and gave the Gators a 69-60 lead with about 8 minutes left.
UAB fought back to tie the game at 75-75 with about 32 seconds on the clock before Brooks' layup sealed the contest.
Despite struggling defensively and starting sluggishly, the Gators can add another tough road win to their resume, something Butler thinks will help her team down the line.
"I suppose you should be pleased when you play poorly and you're still able to win somehow," Butler said.
A radio broadcast contributed to this report.
