For the seventh time in program history, the Florida women’s basketball team has opened its season 4-0. The Samford Bulldogs (1-2) were forced out of rhythm by the Gators, making only 25 of 52 shots from the field.
Florida maintained the lead from sophomore Me’Arah O’Neal’s first free throw until the end of the game. The team dominated on both sides of the ball, outscoring Samford 87-40 and forcing 18 turnovers.
Following a 38-point performance against Chattanooga, sophomore guard Liv McGill was scoreless in the first quarter of the game. Florida relied on junior Laila Reynolds and freshman Nyadieng Yiech, who came off the bench to score 18 points.
“I’ve been able to do it in high school, and now it’s just about keeping my confidence and knowing that I can do it here too no matter who’s guarding me,” Yiech said.
In the second quarter, McGill showed her dominance on the court with 12 points despite going 2 for 4 from beyond the arc. Florida’s defense shut down the Bulldogs. The Gators only allowed 1 point in the second quarter.
“I would guess that holding them to 1 point in the second is a program record,” coach Kelly Rae Finley said. “I don’t know. It doesn’t get much lower than that.”
Despite limping off the court early in the second quarter, Reynolds led the team with six rebounds. She also had two blocks and one steal.
The team’s win streak and performances from McGill and Yiech create a positive outlook early on in the year.
Already this season, McGill has earned honors including the All-SEC Preseason Second Team, USBWA National Player of the Week and SEC Player of the Week.
She was Florida’s leading scorer, playing 31 minutes and scoring 20 points with five rebounds and seven assists. O’Neal was the team’s second-leading scorer with 18 points and five rebounds.
Next for Florida, the team will travel to Annapolis, Maryland, for a Sunday afternoon showdown against Navy. The Gators look to extend their streak with a fifth win.
Contact Brooke Bastedo at bbastedo@alligator.org. Follow her on X @BrookeBastedo.
Brooke is entering her third semester as The Alligator's golf reporter. She is a sophomore sports journalism student with a passion for international sports. She enjoys trying as many new hobbies as possible, spending time with friends and watching Detroit sports (Go Lions!).
