Florida guard Brandi McCain overcame a first-half shooting slump in a big way, as she scored all 21 of her points in the second half to pace the Gators to a 83-77 victory over Alabama in front of 2, 053 fans at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. The 15th ranked Gators improved to 12-5 (2-2 SEC) on the year, while the Crimson Tide dropped to 11-5 (1-2 SEC).
After shooting 0-4 from the field in the first half, McCain connected on four of seven three-point attempts in the second half to help the Gators erase a 35-34 halftime deficit. McCain hit two threes on consecutive trips down the floor to propel the Gators to a commanding 59-50 lead with 12:36 left in regulation.
McCain finished the afternoon with a double-double, collecting 21 points and 10 assists.
"Coming into the Alabama game I had confidence because in the past I've done well against them," McCain said. "I just kept reminding myself that shooters keep shooting after my tough start."
Florida Head Coach Carol Ross said she was impressed with the way her team came out after coming off their worst loss of the season at LSU.
"I was really proud of us because we were able to bounce back after that tough loss in Baton Rouge," Ross said following the game. "We've been on a roller coaster these past few games, but hopefully the ride is over and we can continue our winning ways."
Forward Monique Cardenas led the Gators with a career and team-high 22 points. Her previous best was set two games ago when she scored 19 at Auburn.
Florida center Vanessa Hayden was plagued by foul trouble all afternoon. Ross took out Hayden after she collected her second foul at the 14:42 mark of the first half. Hayden checked back in to start the second half, and her put-back at 19:47 put the Gators back on top, 36-35.
Hayden's presence combined with McCain's shooting gave the Gators an efficient inside-out combination for most of the second half that Alabama could not defend.
Hayden fouled out of the game with 2:16 left in regulation, finishing with 14 points and six rebounds.
The absence of Hayden hurt the Gators on the offensive glass and the team collected only four offensive rebounds in the first half. Alabama trailed by as many as nine points in the first, but used a 7-0 run to close out the half to take their only lead of the game.
Alabama center LaNisha Cartwell led the Tide with 23 points, and guard Shun Hunter chipped in 16 points.
Tide Coach Rick Moody said he was disappointed with the lack of discipline his team played with.
"I think the main difference was that they shot 37 free throws, and we just fouled too much," Moody said. "We had some players that didn't show up, and it's sad getting nothing out of key people."
Five Gators scored in double figures in the win. Freshman guard Tara Taylor made her second career start, and she following up her 23-point effort last game with 10 points.
Florida returns to action Sunday, January 20, when the team hosts Mississippi. The game serves as an opportunity for Coach Carol Ross and assistant Renee Ladner to coach against the school they played for as teammates. The first 1,500 fans will receive a customized Sherisha Hills Lady Gator Bendos character. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. ET.
