BOCA RATON, Fla. — Florida women’s basketball improved to 6-1 on the season Monday night, relying on a strong defensive showing to defeat Florida Atlantic (2-3), 60-51. Junior Laila Reynolds paced the offense with 17 points, while freshman Caterina Piatti delivered her first collegiate double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

KEY RUNS

First Quarter (Gators 14, Owls 8)

Florida opened with four straight points and never trailed in the period. The Gators emphasized their size advantage, attempting 15 of 18 shots in the paint. Caterina Piatti thrived in that approach, scoring six points in the quarter. Defensively, Florida limited the Owls to 4-of-20 shooting, adding four blocks and two steals.

Second Quarter (Gators 25, Owls 24)

Florida scored the first two baskets, but Florida Atlantic responded with a 9-0 run to cut the lead to one. A free throw from Me'Arah O'Neal broke the streak, though a Michiyah Simmons three-pointer briefly gave the Owls the edge at 20-19. Gift Ezekiel’s free throws just before halftime restored Florida’s lead.

Third Quarter (Gators 44, Owls 39)

The teams traded leads throughout the quarter, with six changes and one tie. A buzzer-beating put-back from Me'Arah O'Neal gave Florida a five-point cushion heading into the final frame.

Fourth Quarter (Gators 59, Owls 51)

Florida extended its run to 10-0 across the third and fourth quarters, building a 50-39 lead with 7:30 left. Florida Atlantic trimmed the margin to six late, but the Gators held firm to secure the win.

KEY STATS

• Florida converted 19-of-26 free throws, while the Owls went 10-of-13.
• The Gators forced 19 turnovers, turning them into 13 points. Florida Atlantic capitalized on 21 Gator miscues for 24 points.
• The Owls held a 19-8 advantage in fast break scoring.
• Florida dominated inside, outscoring Florida Atlantic 40-28 in the paint.

FROM THE GATORS' MOUTHS Coach Kelly Rae Finley on earning their first road win short-handed: "I really liked our composure. I liked our determination and our resilience. We executed very, very well. We worked on that high-low game. It resulted in a couple of more turnovers than we've been having, but we were looking to execute what we set out to do. It was a very, very, very physical game.

They let a lot go. So I was really proud of our forwards—Me'Arah, Cat, Gift—for their determination, their footwork inside, and their ability to mentally go to what's next, working through the frustration."

Coach Finley on attacking the interior: "Early on I thought we were catching the ball a little bit too low. We were almost under the basket. We left 18 points on layups on the floor in the first half alone, but we really kind of settled in. We played a different style than what we've been playing. But we were able to keep our composure and execute when it was needed."

Coach Finley on Laila Reynolds and Alexia Dizeko stepping in for point guard Liv McGill: "I though they did a tremendous job. Those two are the consummate Gators. They're competitors. They're tough. And they are going to do whatever it takes for the Gators to win games."

Coach Finley on Caterina Piatti’s double-double: "That's what Cat's capable of. I asked her all week to be more vocal, to be assertive and aggressive on the offensive end of the floor. Defensively she is very versatile, and I was pleased with her minutes tonight, and with her composure down the stretch."

GATOR BITES

• Florida is now 9-1 all-time against Florida Atlantic, winning six straight in the series.
• Caterina Piatti matched her career-high with 14 points and set a new best with 10 rebounds for her first double-double.
• Me'Arah O'Neal reached double figures for the seventh consecutive game (11 points) and blocked a career-high five shots. The last Gator to record more than five blocks was Jennifer George with six against South Carolina on Jan. 8, 2012.
• Laila Reynolds scored in double figures for the sixth time this season and the 32nd time in her career.
• Nyadieng Yiech made her first start for Florida.

NEXT OPPONENT

The Gators continue their road trip with games in the Canary Islands, facing Memphis on Friday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. EST and Georgia Tech on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m.