Deland, Fla. - After a great first half performance, turnovers plagued the Hatters and created opportunities for the Gators Monday night in Gainesville.  The Gators took control of the second half and came out with a win 72-55.

With the first half drawing to a close, the Hatters stepped up their defense and came to within three points, 28-25.  But the Gators would turn up the pressure and end the half with two three pointers.  The Hatters fell into a four minute dry spell allowing the Gators to take a halftime lead 37-25.

'We were getting accomplished what we wanted to with our defense in the first half.' Said head coach Dee Romine.

The Hatters were led by Atlantic Sun player of the week, junior Jamie Nesbit with 14 points and two steals.  Senior Janene Maclin (Chicago, Ill) added 12 points and six boards and senior Kim Manning (Daytona Beach, Fla.) stepped up with a season-high 13 points, four assists and three steals.

The second half belonged entirely to the Gators.  Florida stepped up its defensive pressure, pressing full court and causing Stetson to make mistakes.  Florida converted the turnovers, creating 26 points off Hatter turnovers. 

'The pressure was constant,' said Romine. 'It wears on you and created some fatigue in our players.'

The Gators took their largest lead with just about five minutes to go in regulation.  Florida leaped out to a 22 point lead, 66-44.  The Hatters made a last ditch effort to regain momentum, cutting the lead down to 12.  But in the end, the game belonged to the Gators, who took the victory 72-55.

The Gators were led by Sha Brooks, who ended the night with 19 points, nine steals and five rebounds.  The Gators now move to 5-6 overall and the Hatters fall to 1-9 on the season.

Next up, the Hatters will be taking on South Alabama at the Edmunds Center on Thursday, December 21 at 7 pm.

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