Florida women’s basketball grabs home win over Arkansas, 85-81

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – The UF Women’s Basketball team defeated Arkansas 85-81 in a thrilling battle in the O’Dome. After a tough loss on the road to the defending champions, LSU, Florida desperately needed a win to get back on track. It was an all-around team effort with four players in double figures for scoring. The team was led by Leilani Correa with 20-points, followed by Aliyah Matharu with 17. Jeriah Warren secured her first double-double of the season, with 12-points and a team high 13 rebounds.

The Gators came out strong, leading for a majority of the first half. The Razorbacks battled back within the last five minutes before halftime. Makalya Daniels hit a clutch three-pointer that changes the dynamic of the game. It became a back-and-forth battle between the Gators and the Razorbacks. Florida went on a 7-0 run to take the lead 41-36 with less than three minutes in the half. The Razorbacks answered with 8 unanswered points of their own, tying the game at 46 all. Saylor Poffenbarger got a clutch layup at the buzzer, giving Arkansas a two-point lead at halftime (48-46).

The Razorbacks dominated the third quarter scoring 23 points to the Gators 15. Arkansas was led by Makalya Daniels who scored a game high 26 points. She banked in five out of six three pointers. Taliah Scott followed with 20, and Saylor Poffenbarger finished with 15 points and a team high 12 rebounds. Arkansas ended the third quarter with a ten-point lead (71-61)

In the fourth, the Gators got back on track. They outscored the Razorbacks 24-10 over the final 10 minutes. The Gators found momentum after Aliyah Matharu got two steals within 15 seconds. Broughton hit a clutch three to give the Florida the led with less than four minutes on the clock (82-79). The Gators held onto the lead to win 85-81 against the Razorbacks.

Florida will travel to Starkville Sunday afternoon to face Mississippi State. The game is set to tip-off at 3 p.m. and will be available on SECN+.

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