Florida Falls Short in OT to the Rebels

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida was challenged by Ole Miss Thursday evening at home ultimately falling 77-67 in overtime. The Gators held the lead over the Rebels for all but two minutes of regulation, but were unable to come through in the five-minute overtime period. Overall, Florida was led by Aliyah Matharu with 24 points.
 
Florida got off to a fast start against the Rebels going on a nine-point run and leaving Ole Miss scoreless for the first eight minutes of the game. The Gators aggressive start was on both ends of the court, shooting 57.1 percent from the field and forcing seven turnovers on the Rebels in the first quarter alone. Florida was led in the first half by Aliyah Matharu with 15-points, followed by Faith Dut, securing eight. Defensively, Jeriah Warren led on the boards with five of the Gators 16 rebounds.
 
In the second half, Ole Miss began to whittle away at Florida’s lead getting the margin down to as low as one point in the third quarter (41-40). The Gators fought back with Leilani Correa securing eight points in the third and holding Ole Miss to zero percent from the three once more. In the fourth and final period Florida was outscored 19 to 14 by the Rebels forcing overtime.
 
Ole Miss continued their momentum into the additional period with both Marquesha Davis and Madison Scott notching five-points apiece. The Rebels 13-points in overtime…