GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Florida came up short on Thursday night at the Exactech Arena, dropping a 99-86 decision to No. 23 Vanderbilt. Four Gators reached double digits in scoring, but the team couldn’t contain Mikayla Blakes, who erupted for 53 points—setting a new NCAA single-game scoring record for a freshman.

Ra Shaya Kyle led Florida with her 11th double-double of the season, contributing 23 points and 12 rebounds. Liv McGill followed with 20 points and added four assists, bringing her season total to 112. McGill continues to lead all NCAA freshmen in both total assists and assists per game (5.1). Florida shot 49% from the field (33-of-67) and held a slight edge on the boards, out-rebounding Vanderbilt 36-34.

Blakes’ scoring performance also tied the all-time single-game scoring record at Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center, matching the 53 points posted by LSU’s Chris Jackson on December 10, 1988.

Game Flow Breakdown:

Opening Quarter Highlights

• Florida held the lead for four minutes and 39 seconds
• 10 of UF's 16 points were posted inside the paint
• UF shot 31.3 percent from the field (5-16)
• Laila Reynolds led Florida in scoring with six points, shooting 2-4 from the field and 2-4 from the line
• The Gators and Commodores were even at 11 rebounds
• Kyle secured five rebounds to lead UF on the boards

Second Quarter Summary

• The Gators were held to 10 points—marking their lowest scoring period of the game
• Jeriah Warren led on the boards with three of Florida's eight rebounds
• Reynolds distributed two assists, contributing to UF's first half total of five
• Vanderbilt grabbed its largest lead of the half at 46-26 (00:44)
   

Third Quarter Surge

• Florida posted 30 points across six players
• The Gators shot a game high 73.3 percent from the field (11-15)
• 20 of UF's points came from inside the paint
• McGill led in scoring with eight points, going 2-5 from the field and 4-4 from the charity stripe
• The Gators saw the free throw line eight times, converting for seven points (87.5%)
• UF's offensive dominance led to a game low six rebounds
• The score stood at 73-56 going into the fourth

Final Frame Recap

• The Gators tallied an additional 30 points to record a combined 60 in the second half
• The Gators went 13-24 from the field to shoot 54.2 percent
• 22 of UF's points were gathered inside the paint
• Florida secured 12 second chance points and eight off rebounds
• Alexia Dizeko, Warren, and McGill all shot 100 percent from the free throw line
• UF held Vanderbilt to zero offensive rebounds
• Kyle led on the boards with four of UF's 11 rebounds

Key Takeaways & Milestones



• Florida posted a season high 60 points in a singular half (Half two)
• Previously 55 vs. Florida A&M (11/7/24), Chicago State (11/12/24)
• The Gators shot 49.3 percent from the field (33-67)
• 56 of Florida's 86 points were tallied inside the paint
• Florida grabbed 19 points off second chances and 16 off rebounds
• The Gators saw the free throw line a combined 23 times, converting for 17 points (74%)
• Dizeko shot 100 percent from the charity stripe for her fourth time this season
• UF had four players in double digits for scoring
• Kyle (23), McGill (20), Warren (15), and Reynolds (12)
• Kyle has now recorded 11 double doubles in the 2024-25 season
• McGill has hit double figures in 20 of her 22 outings as a Gator
• Nine of those games have been 20+ point outings
• Warren posted double figures for her fourteenth time this season
• Reynolds recorded her third consecutive game with 10+ points
• Florida forced 15 turnovers on Vanderbilt to convert for 14 points
• Florida distributed 12 assists and McGill led with four
• McGill has led UF in assists for a combined 16 times this season
• Five Gators recorded two or more assists
• The Gators out-rebounded Vanderbilt 36-34
• Kyle led all in rebounding with 12
• Kyle has now led Florida in rebounding for 17 outings this season and 40 times in her UF career
• Seven Gators contributed to UF's 36 rebounds
• The Gators have secured 20+ points in 41 of 90 quarters played this season
• UF made 27 layups in 32 driving attempts (84%)
• Florida recorded a game total 76 possessions, converting for 1.13 points per possession: