Florida sophomore Trumae Lucas connected on a pull-up jumper with 17.7 seconds left and senior forward Sharielle Smith pulled down a critical rebound and nailed two clutch free throws to direct the Gators to a 59-56 win against South Carolina on Sunday in front of 2,053 fans in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
The Gators (11-9, 4-3 Southeastern Conference), playing their ninth game this season decided by less than 10 points, led by four, 55-51, with 2:29 left after sophomore center Azania Stewart knocked down 1-of-2 free throws. South Carolina standout Kelsey Bone converted a 3-point play and then nailed a shot with 44.2 seconds remaining to give the Gamecocks a 56-55 edge.
Lucas drove the lane and pulled up for a jumper from the left wing with 17.7 left on the clock to put Florida ahead, 57-56. The Gamecocks ran the clock down to nine seconds before a La’Keisha Sutton jumper was blocked by freshman Jennifer George. After a scramble for the rebound, Smith corralled the ball and was immediately fouled. She drained both free throws to secure the victory
Lucas and Smith led the way for the Gators, scoring 11 points apiece as part of a balanced offensive effort. Five or more Florida players charted eight or more points in the game.
UF shot 37.3 percent (19-of-51) from the field for the game, while South Carolina made 33.3 percent (20-of-60) of its shots. The Gamecocks won the rebound battle 43-36 and the second-chance points category 20-9, but Florida’s intensity and toughness ultimately willed the Gators to the win.
Smith’s 11 points came on 4-of-4 shooting from the free-throw line and she also brought down six rebounds. Senior guard Steffi Sorensen added eight points and eight rebounds in 31 minutes of action. Stewart and senior guard Lonnika Thompson each added eight points.
George blocked a career-high six shots and added seven rebounds in 21 minutes of extended play, filling in for a foul-plagued Stewart.
South Carolina (10-9, 3-4 SEC), which entered Sunday’s game having won three of its previous four contests, was led by Bone’s game-high 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Sutton’s 15.
Photo Gallery: UF Women’s basketball vs. South Carolina, 1/24/10 (click here to view gallery)
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