Florida women's basketball: Takeaways from 89-67 win over FSU

Story by Caroline King

The Florida Gators dominated the Seminoles all four quarters, ending Florida State’s three-game winning streak over Florida.

Liv McGill led the way in true Liv McGill fashion, contributing 27 points, seven rebounds, five assists and seven steals. Florida also set a team high with 20 steals against the Seminoles.

The Gators were coming off their first loss of the season, a 69-54 defeat to Navy, and McGill was sidelined with a lower-body injury. But on Thursday, UF controlled the game from start to finish.

“That’s Florida basketball start to finish,” head coach Kelly Rae Finley said. “That’s what you saw, that’s what we expect and that’s how we train.”

Here are four takeaways from Thursday night’s win.

Liv McGill is a fierce competitor

McGill has taken the women’s college basketball scene by storm this year, leading the SEC with
25.8 points per game on 49.4% shooting and making 40% of her three-pointers.

She missed Florida’s loss to Navy due to an undisclosed lower-body injury. However, you couldn’t even tell in the game against Florida State as McGill battled through contact. She also picked up a season high seven steals, again putting her body out there on the defensive end.

Her fearlessness and effort on both ends of the court highlighted her competitive edge. When teammate Laila Reynolds was asked what the rivalry game meant to her, McGill chimed in, emphasizing her drive in big games.

“For me it was a rivalry game. I was here last year and we lost,” McGill said. “I never forget that kind of stuff.”

McGill improved form averaging 16.5 points per game last season to 25.8 this season.

“The pace of the game just has slowed down in her mind,” Finley said. “Her reads, the decision making, her ability to connect with her teammates and motivate them each individually in their own way to elevate them to be their best. That’s what a true point guard does and that’s where I’ve seen the most growth from her.”

Florida defense is relentless

The Gators have been exceptional defensively all season. Against Navy, they forced 22 turnovers and scored 14 points off them. Against FSU, they forced 25 turnovers and converted them into 38 points.

Even with a 15-point lead late in the game, Florida maintained high-energy defense, implementing a full-court press with five minutes remaining in the game. The defensive energy never dropped below 100%.

Florida also recorded a season high 20 steals, seven coming from McGill. These steals added to the Gators out scoring the Seminoles 22-4 in fast-break points.

Finley also praised Alexia Dizeko for holding Florida State’s Sole Williams under her
average with 15 points.

“Whatever the team needs, Alexia is willing to do,” Finley said. “It was the key to our success because these guys didn’t have to pull in rotation, and there were no forced rotations off of ball screens.”

The Gators are playing like a cohesive team

Thursday’s win was Florida’s most complete performance of the season.

The Gators moved seamlessly off the ball, executed precise passes up the court and made smart cuts to the basket. They all seemed in tune with each other and quick to share the ball.

“There’s a lot of trust, a lot of love, and a lot of connection,” Finley said. “They’re willing to
hold each other accountable to what we say we want.”

The Gators recorded 15 assists on the night, reflecting their unselfish play.

Laila Reynolds is emerging as a force

Reynolds has steadily made a name for herself this season. The guard averages 14.4 points per game with 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists.

Against the Seminoles, Reynolds set a career high with 21 points. She also scored 19 points against Navy on Sunday. She has been playing with elite confidence and patience, which has been shown in her shot selection.

Against Florida State, she looked smooth and took smart shots going 8-of-16 from the field.

The Gators travel to Boca Raton to take on Florida Atlantic on Monday at 7 p.m.