Bernice Mosby (Brooksville, Fla.) scored a season-high 28 points but it wasn't enough to lead the University of Florida women's basketball team in a thrilling 91-82 overtime loss to fifth-ranked Tennessee Thursday evening.
In the overtime period, Tennessee (17-3, 7-0 SEC) jumped out to a 72-69 advantage on a three-point play by Sidney Spencer and never looked back, outscoring the Gators 22-13 in the extra frame and handing UF its fourth consecutive loss.
"I'm glad that this game was televised," Florida head coach Carolyn Peck said. "I hope people recognize that our record doesn't indicate how good of a team we are. I think that Bernice Mosby played like an All-American today, as did Tashia Morehead. They competed, they focused, they battled for 40 minutes. I think it was a solid team effort."
The Gators (12-9, 3-5 SEC) outscored the Lady Vols from the floor, 58-51, shot with more accuracy and held the rebounding edge. The difference came at the free throw line, where Tennessee converted 87 percent (40-46) compared to Florida's 70.6 percent mark (24-34).
Tennessee maintained a slim lead during the second half, but Florida continually battled and kept within striking distance. With 5:52 remaining in regulation, UT center Nicky Anosike converted two free throw attempts to pad the Lady Vols lead, 64-56. The eight-point Tennessee lead would slowly begin to dissolve because of the tenacious Florida defense and the aggressive play of guard Danielle Santos (Marietta, Ga.) and Tashia Morehead (Panama City, Fla.).
Capping a late-game 13-3 rally with only 34 seconds remaining in regulation, the Gators used two clutch free throws by Santos to take a 69-67 lead, their first since the 15:30 mark of the second period.
Tennessee answered back with only 21 ticks remaining as junior guard Shanna Zolman converted a pair of free throws to add to her 28 points and knot the game at 69 apiece.
The Gators pushed the ball up the floor and worked for the final shot, however as time expired the jumper by Mosby fell just short and the game headed for an extra frame.
Aside from Mosby's 28-point effort, Williams contributed 14 points while Morehead added 13 with seven rebounds.
Florida returns to action on Sunday, Feb. 6, traveling to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to battle the Alabama Crimson Tide. Game time is set for 3 p.m. ET and can be seen in Gainesville on Cox Sports.
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