GAINESVILLE, Fla. ( Dec.9) – The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers (1-6, 0-0 MEAC) put up a consolidated effort in the first half to trail the University of Florida Gators (3-6, 0-0 SEC) by just four points at halftime. But, an anemic third quarter put the game out of reach.  In that period, the Lady Rattlers scored just two points, while UF rattled off their biggest output by quarters, with 21 points.

The Lady Rattlers would rebound with a solid defensive effort in the fourth quarter, holding the Gators to 14 points while scoring 13.

“We played a solid first half and things go away from us early in the second half.  Give credit to UF for the effort they put forth in making the run in the third quarter, but I am proud of how our young ladies fought back until all the time was gone from the game clock.  In a loss like this, as a coach, you are always looking for the silver lining,” said head coach LeDawn Gibson.

FAMU was led by Tyra James and Mya More, who each carded nine points.  Jasmine Ballew added seven, while Chiqueria Cook chipped in five.

Cook also led the Rattlers in rebounds, hauling in nine.  Taylor Darks pulled down five rebounds and Morgan Mitchell and James ripped down four each.

FAMU shot well for all except the third quarter.  In the opening frame the Lady Rattlers shot 30.8 percent from the field, followed in the second quarter with 55.6 percent.  The disastrous third period saw the Lady Rattlers score just one field goal in 12 attempts for a paltry eight percent from the field.  They would rebound in the fourth period with a 28.6 percent clip. 

UF was led by Zada Williams who went 8-for-12 from the field in scoring a game high 16 points.  Ariel Johnson scored 13 and Delicia Washington rounded out the trio of Gators in double figures with 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting.  Washington completed the double-double hauling in 10 rebounds to lead all players.

The Lady Rattlers will take this week off for finals and return to face Miami (Ohio) on Dec. 16 in the Al Lawson Center.