GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The first half may have been a struggle, but the University of Florida women's basketball team seized control of the second half to topple N.C. State, 79-72, and capture its 20th Gator Holiday Classic title in the tournament's 25 years of existence.
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Redshirt senior guard
Cassie Peoples scored 14 of her 16 points in the second half, including an 11-point outburst that helped the Gators outscore the Wolfpack by 14 points (25-11) in the third quarter. For her efforts, Peoples collected her second Gator Holiday Classic Most Valuable Player award, repeating the honor she earned in 2013.
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Freshman guard
Eleanna Christinaki continued her solid debut season with a game-high 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting. The Athens, Greece native, who also earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team, has scored in double figures in four of her last five outings.
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Florida's defense was tremendous once again, as it forced 30 turnovers, amassed 17 steals and held N.C. State to 35 percent (21 of 59) from the floor.
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How It HappenedBy the first media timeout, which came at the 4:26 mark of the opening quarter, the Gators had built a 14-8 lead. Their early edge was created by the defense. During that game-starting stretch, Florida forced seven turnovers and created five steals, laying the foundation for the team's 32 points off turnovers.
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Florida led by as many as seven points in the first, but N.C. State battled back and retook the lead with an 8-0 run late in the quarter. Junior guard
January Miller's jumper with three seconds left in the frame gave the Gators a lead they would only relinquish once more.
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Following a second quarter that saw the two teams combine for 19 points, Florida opened the second half on a 13-2 run in the first five minutes of the second half. Peoples, who scored a mere two points in the first half, recorded nine of UF's points during the run.
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A triple from redshirt senior guard
Carlie Needles near the end of the third frame put the Gators up by 16 (52-36)—their largest lead to that point.
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After going on to lead by as many as 18 points, Florida never allowed the Wolfpack to get within less than five points of the lead.
Updated Records- Florida: 11-1
- NC State: 9-4
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Florida vs. N.C. State Series History- The Gators improve their all-time record against N.C. State to 4-2, including a 2-0 mark at the O'Connell Center
- Florida has now won each of its last three meetings with the Wolfpack
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Gator StartersÂ
News and Numbers of Note- Today was the third game this season Florida forced an opponent to commit 30-plus turnovers.
- The Gators racked up a season-high 17 steals, topping their previous of high of 15, which they set against No. 6 Florida State back on Nov. 16.
- Florida has made 20-plus free throws in five games, and today's 81-percent conversion rate at the charity stripe this afternoon was its second-highest percentage from those five games.
- Cassie Peoples now owns a team-best seven double-figure-scoring outings.
- UF's 11-game winning streak is the fourth-longest run in program history.
- This is the sixth time in program history UF has won 11 of its first 12 games.
Gator Holiday Classic All-Tournament TeamÂ
Quotes from the CourtFlorida Head Coach Amanda ButlerOpening Statement…"Any time you get a quality win like this, it's a really good feeling. Our third quarter was exceptional, our fourth quarter wasn't quite how we scripted, but, at the same time, to be able to hold on and preserve the lead to keep us ahead was important. When we get back from break, this will be a game where we can take a great deal away from aand learn from. Every single day we continue to try and find our best and keep improving … and keep this momentum moving forward."
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On the third quarter and what was said to the team prior to the start of it… "I talked about the things that are important to us. Whether it's the energy that we bring or what we consider to be the 'right' things. We talked about those values and I asked the team, 'what do we do and how are going to play?' It wasn't anything more I had to say, they knew what we needed to be doing from that point on and we played at a different level when we came back out."
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On having experience from a tournament atmosphere like this with multiple games in a short timeframe…"It prepares you for what you're doing and who your identity will be down the road. When you can beat two quality teams with very little preparation, it builds confidence and proves we can go out and beat our opponents just off of mental preparation and knowing the energy we can bring to the court."
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Florida redshirt senior guard Cassie PeoplesOn Florida's run in the third quarter…"Our defense worked its best and carried us. It was our defense that got us going and kept us in it.
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On what she has seen from this group during non-conference play thus far…"Everyone is playing at a different level this year, regardless of the positions or their previous experience. We've all become more diverse and able to fill in for one another when someone steps out. It's something we haven't shown in the past."
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Florida freshman guard Eleanna ChristinakiOn Florida's run in the third quarter…"It's all about teamwork. If anyone slips up or needs help, someone else steps up. It's all about teamwork with this group."
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N.C. State Head Coach Wes MooreOn the game against UF…"The 30 turnovers were brutal, and they led to 32 points. That's what really made it difficult. You've got to give (Florida) credit though, they played well and challenged us. We've got to get better and learn how to handle (pressure). We're not the deepest team at guard … but I'm really proud of the effort we gave throughout the contest."
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Postgame LinksÂ
Up Next for the Gators- Florida will enjoy eight days of rest before facing UCF in the Southeastern Conference-American Athletic Conference Challenge on Wednesday, Dec. 30 in Jacksonville, Fla. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
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