Smith led the Gators to back-to-back victories over top-25 programs during the last week.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After a stellar week of competition that saw the Gators take down two top-25 programs, Kiara Smith has been named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week, the SEC announced Tuesday afternoon.
Smith began her stellar week with an impressive performance on the road at No. 23 Kentucky, helping the Gators to a 77-52 victory in Lexington. The graduate led the Orange & Blue with 25 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal on 10-of-18 shooting.
She then followed that performance with a 23-point, eight-assist, three-rebound and three-steal performance in a 73-72 victory over No. 11 LSU on Sunday. Ten of her points came from the free throw line where she ended 10-of-13.
The two games marked the best two-game stretch of the season with 48 points, 11 rebounds, 14 assists and four steals in wins over No. 23/22 Kentucky and No. 11/10 LSU. She moved into 18th in Florida history with 1,357 points, passing Tamara Stocks (1997-01). Against LSU, she played all 40 minutes, now owning 3,602 career minutes played, which is sixth in Florida history. With 10 free throws made against LSU, which ties a career-high, she moved into seventh in UF history in career free throws made at 305. She also went 14-of-18 (77.7%) from the free throw line.
For the week, Smith averaged 24 points, seven assists, 5.5 rebounds and two steals per game.
Smith and the Gators will be back in action on Sunday, Jan. 30 when the No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks head to Gainesville for a 12 p.m. ET tip on SEC Network.
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