UF faces tough WNIT test tonight

Florida was blessed with a 17-day layoff prior to its WNIT opener against Florida Gulf Coast Monday. They won't have that luxury when they travel to face North Carolina State tonight at 7 in the third round of the WNIT.

The Gators (19-13) will have had just three days to prepare for the Wolfpack (19-12). That isn't much time for Florida to correct the many problems that plagued them during their 60-55 win over FGCU.

"The things we didn't do well are obvious," Butler said. "We don't have five days to go into the gym and fix them. We've got to know what they are and get ready for N.C. State."

Florida's deficiencies against FGCU were evident. The Gators made just 1-of-17 shots from 3-point territory and shot 54 percent from the foul line.

"That was one part of our game we're disappointed in," Butler said. "We settled for shots outside the paint. We did not want to do that. It's tough as a coach. You want your kids to play confidently. But at the same time, you have to do what makes sense. I don't want our kids to ever think they are bound to be anything less than what they are capable of and tell them don't shoot."

The Gators were forced to take shots on the perimeter due to foul trouble that limited forward Marshae Dotson to 21 minutes while center Aneika Henry fouled out in just nine minutes of play.

"Nine minutes is not getting it done," Butler said.

Florida's 60-point output was its lowest since scoring 61 against Vanderbilt on Jan. 31. The Gators will have to put forth a better effort against the stingy Wolfpack. N.C. State ranks 27th nationally (and second in the ACC) in scoring defense and 24th in field goal percentage defense.

N.C. State is led by senior Khadijah Whittington, who is one of 31 candidates for the Naismith Player of the Year award. Whittington averaged 17.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.

A Gator win would put them into the fourth round (round of eight) to be played either Saturday, Sunday or Monday against the winner of St. John's and Boston College at a site to be determined.