Christinaki helps No. 22 Florida women over Alabama 80-72

Jan 21, 2016, 09:55 pm

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Eleanna Christinaki scored 16 points to help No. 22 Florida over Alabama 80-72 on Thursday.

Christinaki was 5 of 9 from the floor and 6 of 7 from the line for the Gators (16-3, 4-2 SEC). Ronni Williams was 6 of 9 for 13 points and Simone Westbrook scored 11 points as Florida shot over 54 percent and won the rebound battle 40-25.

Alabama (13-6, 2-4 SEC) was led by Meoshonti Knight with a career-high 23 points and six steals -- which matches another career mark. Hannah Cook scored 16 points, Shaquera Wade had 13 and Quanetria Bolton added 11.

No. 22 Florida led 46-31 at intermission, but Alabama outscored the Gators 30-15 in the third to tie at 61 entering the fourth.

Bolton made 1 of 2 from the line to put the Tide up 69-65 with seven minutes left, but Florida made a 15-2 run to close the game.