Tonight's SEC on CSS women's match up is sure to be a battle as 1113 Texas A&M (19-5, 9-1 SEC) takes on Florida (15-9, 4-6 SEC) for the first time. While the Aggies are the favorites do not be fooled by the Gators' 4-6 SEC record.
Texas A&M is the fifth nationally-ranked opponent Florida will face this year, and so far, the Gators are 0-4. The Aggies cannot afford to overlook this team. All of Florida's SEC games have been decided by 8 points or less and 12 games overall by 10 or less. The Gators are lead by senior forward, Jennifer George, who leads the team in scoring (12.2 PPG), rebounding (7.9 RPG), and steals (42). Her stability is an asset to a team that has used 11 different line ups this season.
Florida cannot count on being looked passed by the ladies from Texas. Coach Gary Blair's team has proven not to be lax in any aspect of the game. The Aggies rank in the top five in the conference in field goal percentage, assists per game, assist to turnover ratio, three point percentage, scoring margin, field goal defense, points per game, rebounding margin, points allowed per game, and three point field goal percentage defense. If the team rankings were not enough, senior guard, Adrienne Pratcher in the NCAA assist-to-turnover leader (2.84) and has had at least four assists in 10 of the last 15 games. Junior Kelsey Bone has been added to the Wooden Award and Wade Trophy mid-season lists for her efforts. Bone is averaging 17.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 29.6 minutes per game this season.
Florida and Texas A&M are meeting for only the second time ever, but Coach Amanda Butler will have her team ready to spoil the Aggies' party just as they did hers in 1994. Texas A&M beat Florida in the first round of the NCAA Tournament 78-76, ending Butler's collegiate playing career. Butler ended what should have been a home game for the Gators had it not been for a Rod Stewart concert with 15 points, including the bucket that tied the game at 74. Consider yourselves warned Aggies, the competitor in Amanda Butler is probably not a fan of Texas A&M or Rod Stewart.
Tune in tonight at 9:00 PM ET for the SEC on CSS game of the night with Matt Stewart and Maria Taylor bringing you the action.
