GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Trailing by double digits late in the third quarter, the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team battled back to within a point, but fell to Florida 68-60 at the O’Connell Center on Sunday.
It was the first defeat for the Commodores (11-4, 1-1) since Nov. 29, snapping a six-game winning streak.
Three Commodores finished in double figures behind a team-high 19 points from freshman Koi Love who added six rebounds.
How it Happened
Florida slowed down the Commodores’ fast-paced play, but Vanderbilt’s found success with six different scorers in the first quarter to take a 19-17 lead after the first 10 minutes.
It was a 27-20 lead when Love made a layup with 6:50 left in the half. However, the Gators went on a 13-2 run and then extended their lead to 40-34 at the break.
Florida’s lead grew to double digits to start the second half. The Gators led 49-38 with 2:57 remaining in the third quarter – but the Commodores did not relinquish on the road and were within striking distance 51-44 heading into the final frame.
Love scored nine straight points for the Commodores as the deficit shrunk in the fourth quarter. When sophomore Jordyn Cambridge drained a three with 4:57 to play, Vanderbilt was within one, 55-54.
The Gators made one final push and scored the next eight points to go up nine. Vanderbilt was never within six in the final two minutes.
By the Numbers
Junior Chelsie Hall and sophomore Jordyn Cambridge each had 11 points while fifth-year senior Mariella Fasoula finished with nine. Junior forward Autumn Newby finished with a team-high seven rebounds and senior LeaLea Carter had a team-high three assists.
Notables
Vanderbilt is now 0-4 when opponents shoot better than 40 percent (11-0 when holding opponents under that number) … The Commodores are now 0-3 when scoring 60 or fewer (11-1 when scoring more) … Vanderbilt was looking for its first 3-0 start on the road since 2009 … The Commodores last loss was to Seton Hall at the Junkanoo Jam in the Bahamas … Vanderbilt lost for just the second time (11-2) in the United States this year.
On Deck
Following another road game at Georgia at 6 p.m. CT Thursday, the Commodores will return home to take on fourth-ranked South Carolina on Jan. 12. Tip off is set for 4 p.m. and the first 250 fans receive a Pride rally towel as part of Pride Day at Memorial Gym.
It will also mark the program’s Soles for Souls game where fans can donate new or gently used shoes to local charities. Tickets can be found here.
