The Gators were unable to keep pace late with the Wolfpack in game two of the Preseason WNIT.
RALEIGH, N.C. – Facing an early season test, Florida women’s basketball fell to No. 5 ranked North Carolina State in the second matchup of the Preseason WNIT on Sunday, 85-52.
The Gators (1-2, 0-0 SEC) were led by graduate Kiara Smith who posted 16 points in addition to three rebounds and two assists. Nina Rickards added 12 points, three assists and two rebounds for UF. Florida ended just 19-of-59 (32.2%) from the field.
North Carolina State managed to control the tempo for much of the game, shooting a scorching 32-of-61 (52.5%) from the floor and 11-of-18 (61.1%) from behind the arc. While the Wolfpack held control on the glass, 41-30, Florida did manage to trek down 13 offensive boards. Junior Lavender Briggs led the rebounding effort with nine.
A point of emphasis following their game with Towson, Florida found a much quicker start against the No. 5 ranked Wolfpack, opening the contest with a floater from Smith. Later in the period a quick 8-3 spurt from the Gators, capped off by a triple from Jordyn Merritt, would give UF a 12-10 lead.
North Carolina State, ranked No. 5 for a reason, turned up the offensive heat following the Florida run, ending the quarter on a 17-3 run to open the game up and lead 29-15 after one. The hot shooting would continue into the second quarter for the home team, extending their lead to 20, but the Gators would not go away.
Smith put the Blue & Orange on her back midway through the second, putting together a 7-0 run of her own to pull Florida back within 13 at 35-22 with just under five left. After an exchange of buckets, NC State managed to re-extend their lead to 21 at the break thanks to a last-second contested triple from Kayla Jones.
Florida turned up the defensive pressure coming out of halftime, holding North Carolina State to just 5-of-13 shooting in the period and outscore the opposition, 14-10. A key to the third quarter success, UF allowed no three-pointers and forced four turnovers. Rickards played a key role in helping keep the Blue & Orange involved, tallying eight points for the frame. No. 5 NC State held a 58-41 lead heading into the final quarter.
A 12-2 run to open the fourth quarter from the Wolfpack would put the Gators away for good, however, earning an 85-52 victory.
Florida women’s basketball will be back in action on Monday, Nov. 15, for the final game of the Preseason WNIT when they take on Wofford at 4:30 p.m. ET. The game will be streamed live on YouTube.
Quoteables
Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley
On defensive adjustments…
“North Carolina State is a very balanced, talented team both offensively and defenisviley and we knew that coming into the game. Elissa Cunane is a dominant post presence inside and when their shooters are shooting at the rate they were tonight, they’re a difficult team to beat.”
On a strong third quarter performance…
“Our defensive effort was good in that third quarter, just moving on the fly to the ball, dictating and making them make second efforts offensively.”
On what to take away from a game against No. 5…
“There’s a lot to learn from playing a team like this. We need to work on our balanced attack as well as one-on-one defense and our collective defense as a whole. We will see teams like this in the SEC, so it’s a good challenge early on.”
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