The Florida Gators (17-3, 5-10) defeated No. 19/20 Ole Miss (21-9, 8-7) by a score of 74-67 on Thursday evening, marking their first win of the season against a ranked opponent. The victory was highlighted by a record-breaking performance from Gators guard Liv McGill, who scored 28 points.
A Night of Records and Senior Recognition
With her 28-point performance, Liv McGill surpassed Tonya Washington’s single-season scoring record of 631 points, set in the 1999-2000 season. McGill now has 639 points on the year. Laila Reynolds contributed 14 points to the Gators’ win. The game also marked the final home appearance for senior Alexia Dizeko, who led the team with a plus/minus of +12.
Key Moments in the Game
The first quarter was closely contested, with neither team gaining more than a three-point lead. Tianna Thompson led all scorers in the first with nine points, even as Gift Ezekiel paced the Gators with five. In the second quarter, Ole Miss built a seven-point lead, 32-25, before a late run by Florida tied the score and ultimately position the Gators up 40-37 at halftime. McGill scored 15 points in the second quarter alone.
McGill broke the single-season scoring record early in the third quarter with a layup. Florida extended their lead to seven points, 44-37, at the start of the period. The Gators went on to outscore Ole Miss 46-20 in the paint throughout the game.
In the fourth quarter, Florida went on a 9-0 run to build their largest lead of the night, 65-51. Ole Miss responded with a 9-0 run of their own, but Florida closed out the game, making seven of ten free throws to secure the 74-67 victory.
Looking Ahead
The Gators will conclude their home schedule on Sunday, March 1, against No. 23/24 Georgia at 3 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on SECN. A strong finish to the regular season could position the Gators favorably in the upcoming conference tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points did Liv McGill score in the game?
Liv McGill scored 28 points in the game against Ole Miss.
What record did Liv McGill break?
Liv McGill broke the Gators’ single-season scoring record, previously held by Tonya Washington with 631 points.
Who played their final home game for the Gators?
Alexia Dizeko played her final home game for the Florida Gators against Ole Miss.
What impact will this win have on the Gators’ confidence as they head into their final games of the season?
