GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Battling a ranked opponent for the fourth time in as many games, the University of Florida women's basketball team resumes conference play Sunday, Jan. 26 when it travels to No. 21 Arkansas. Tipoff from Bud Walton Arena is slated for 3 p.m. ET as the Gators and Razorbacks meet for the 39
th time.
| Date: |
Sunday, Jan. 26 |
| Time: |
3 p.m. ET |
| Matchup: |
Florida (11-8, 2-4) vs. No. 21 Arkansas (15-4, 3-3) |
| Location: |
Bud Walton Arena | Fayetteville, Ark. |
| TV: |
SECNetwork+ with Benjamin Kelly & Kikko Haydar |
| Live Stats: |
Here |
| Radio: |
WRUF ESPN 98.1 FM/850 AM with Kyle Crooks & Brittany Davis |
| Game Notes: |
Florida | Arkansas |
After their first "bye week" of the SEC slate, Florida returns to the court for its seventh conference tilt. UF most recently competed on Sunday, Jan. 19 at No. 12 Texas A&M. The Gators saw three finish in double figures and rookie standout
Lavender Briggs nabbed her fifth double-double of the season (14 points and 11 rebounds), but it wasn't enough as they dropped a 69-42 decision to the veteran-laden Aggies.
The Gators are in the midst of a four-game stretch against teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25 (No. 14 Kentucky, No. 24 Tennessee, No. 12 Texas A&M and No. 21 Arkansas).
Sunday will mark the first time Florida has gone up against four top 25 teams in a row since February of 2018 (No. 15 Missouri, No. 2 Mississippi St., No. 7 South Carolina, No. 17 Texas A&M).
The Gators are receiving contributions from veterans and newcomers alike, but their underclassmen have been particularly effective when compared to the rest of the SEC. UF leads the SEC in games played by underclassmen (118) and points scored by underclassmen (719).
Briggs, one of seven underclassmen in the Gators' rotation of 10, continues to impress with a 13.7 points per game average and a team-best five double-doubles – the most by a UF freshman since the 2002-03 season.
Florida leads the all-time series by a margin of a 28-10 and own an 11-5 advantage in games played in Fayetteville. Over the last 10 meetings between the programs, Florida has had the upper hand, winning eight of them. Florida is 8-2 over the last 10 games against Alabama also, its best mark in an active 10 game-stretch against any SEC opponent.
No. 21 Arkansas enters the matchup with a 15-4 record which includes a 3-3 mark in conference action. The Razorbacks, who score 85.3 points per game, have utilized the same starting five in all 19 games and feature three double-figure scorers paced by Preseason All-SEC First Team selection, Chelsie Dungee. The Oklahoma transfer Dungee leads the way at 19.6 points per game while Alexis Tolefree (14.4) and freshman Amber Ramirez (14.3) also make significant contributions offensively. The conference's highest-powered offense ranks top 10 nationally in scoring offense, scoring margin (+22.2), three-point field goals per game (10.0), three-point field goal percentage (38.6), three-point field goal percentage defense (23.3), and free throw attempts. In their most recent matchup, the Razorbacks were tripped up by Georgia at home at Bud Walton Arena, falling 64-55. Arkansas committed a season-high 20 turnovers and made a season-low three 3-pointers. The Razorbacks held a seven-point lead in the third but UGA took control with a game-ending 28-12 run.
Mike Neighbors, the former Washington head coach and Arkansas alum, is in his third season with the program. Neighbors has 147 victories over his seven-plus year career as a head coach.
Arkansas will be the eighth team Florida faces that qualified for last season's NCAA Tournament and the seventh team ranked in the AP Top 25.
NOTABLES
- Through 19 games a season ago, Florida was 5-14. Through the same segment this season the Gators are 11-8 and off to their best start since the 2015-16 campaign.
- Of Florida's eight losses those teams have combined for a 117-34 record (.775 winning percentage) as of Jan. 23.
- Freshman Lavender Briggs has been one of the most dependable players on the squad this season, averaging 34.8 minutes per contest. Sarah Lowe (2002-06), Florida's 2020 SEC Legend, holds the all-time mark for minutes played by a freshman at 35.2.
- The Gators have held 13 of their 19 opponents below their scoring average.
- With an average team height of just five-foot-ten, Florida is undersized especially playing in the rugged SEC. Despite not having the tallest players on the court, Florida's rebounding has been strong as it ranks in the top half of the league in rebound margin and offensive rebounds. 58 percent of Florida's rebounds come from the guard position and the group averages 24 per game.
- At No. 21, Arkansas hasn't been ranked this far into a season since 2002.
- The Razorbacks battled Coach Newbauer's former squad, Belmont, back in November and posted a 91-60 victory.
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