GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Florida suffered a hard-fought 86-78 loss to No. 15 Tennessee on Sunday afternoon. Despite the defeat, the Gators outpaced the Lady Vols on the boards, 47-42 and shot 46.2% from the field compared to Tennessee’s 40.7%.

Florida led for most of the first half, outscoring Tennessee 16-12 in the first quarter and 21-16 in the second. However, the Lady Vols gained momentum in the third, aided by the return of their top scorer, Talaysia Cooper, who made an impact on both ends. Tennessee outscored the Gators 37-20 in the third quarter, their only period with a higher point total than Florida.

Heading into the final quarter, Tennessee led 65-57. Florida mounted a strong comeback, cutting the deficit to within four points several times, but was unable to overtake the Lady Vols.

Ra Shaya Kyle led the Gators with 19 points and 10 rebounds, recording her 13th double-double of the season. Liv McGill (17), Laila Reynolds (17), and Jeriah Warren (11) also contributed in double digits, helping Florida’s offensive effort.

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