Sha Brooks and the Gators took an eight point lead going into the locker room but it seemed like it just wasn’t enough for the young squad. They were even shooting 61 percent from the field and did not allow Temple to make one three pointer. But they just did not play as physical in the first half as they did in the second.

Florida out rebounded Temple in the second half 22-12 in the 70-57 victory in the NCAA tournament which was Florida’s first NCAA tournament win since 2004. They knew it was time for a change and the change had been made.

Sha Brooks mentioned how Temple was much tougher than they were in the first half, allowing them to grab extra offensive rebounds, diving and recovering the loose balls. But that did not happen in the second half.

The lady Gators have a tough game ahead of them as they will face unbeaten Connecticut who is 34-0. Florida will need to come up with everything they have. Play like it is the last game of their college career. The intensity needs to be up, mental and physical toughness needs to show if they want to advance and pull an upset on this very good ball club.

In Florida’s victory over Temple, Sha Brooks led the Gators with 18 points, while teammates Marshae Dotson and Steffi Sorensen both added 13 a piece. Sorensen recorded her first career double-double at Florida after grabbing 13 boards.

The Gators really need to eliminate turnovers as well. 21 turnovers against Temple is not very good and it sure will not help them get past the Huskies if it happens again. But solid defense and taking care of the ball will lead to an upsetting victory for the lady Gators.