The 16th-ranked University of Florida women's basketball team had its season-opening win streak snapped at nine games Friday evening following a 98-62 loss to Colorado at the Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes improved to 7-2 overall this season with the win.
Despite the 36-point scoring margin, Colorado only outscored Florida by one point - 55-54 - from the field during the game, but the major difference in the game came at the free throw line, where the Buffaloes made a ridiculous 43-of-49, both school records. The Lady Gators hit 8-of- 14, with all of their attempts coming in the second half.
Florida was whistled for a total of 31 fouls during the contest, as four Lady Gators fouled out. UF shot a season-low 38.1 percent from the field, while Colorado shot 41.7 percent.
Another major difference came in the paint, where Colorado crushed Florida 54-26 on the boards.
"Early in the game we had easy opportunities for points, but we didn't finish those shots," UF head coach Carol Ross said. "It was very deflating for us and that set the tone for the game."
Brandi McCain was the only Lady Gator in double-figures, scoring 19 points. Colorado's Britt Hartshorn led all scorers with 22 points while grabbing 10 rebounds.
Florida trailed by 17 points, 42-25, at halftime, but opened the second half with a 6-2 run capped by Brandi McCain's three-point play to get within 13. But Colorado's Caroline Koechlin responded with a three-pointer to ignite a 16-6 run to give the Buffs a 60-37 lead with 12:25 remaining in the game.
The first 12:18 of the game was extremely close as the game featured three ties and 10 lead changes. After freshman Vanessa Hayden hit a short jumper to give UF a 21-20 lead with 8:20 remaining in the first half, Colorado's Caroline Koechlin hit two short jumpers and was fouled making the second with 7:42 left. Florida's bench was assessed a technical foul on that play and the Buffs capitalized by making three free throws to cap a 7-0 run and take a 27-21 lead. Brandi McCain finally stopped the UC spree, but after each team traded buckets, the Buffs ripped off a crushing 13-0 run in the final 2:40 of the period to take a commanding 42-25 halftime lead.
Both teams actually tied each other in scoring from the field during the first half, but Colorado hit 17-of-21 free throws while the Lady Gators failed to make a single trip to the line and were whistled for 14 total fouls. The Buffaloes dominated the paint in first half, taking a 28-12 rebounding advantage on the boards.
Florida takes a few days off for the holiday before playing host to the State Farm Classic December 28-29. Ohio University plays nationally-ranked Rutgers at 5 p.m. in game one, followed by the Lady Gators battling Tennessee State at 7:30 p.m.
