PARRY SOUND, Ontario (Interstat) — The Florida Gators used a dominant first half and a powerful performance from their post players to defeat the Memphis Tigers 74-60 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Friday at John Gray Gymnasium.

In a contest defined by defensive pressure and poor outside shooting, the Gators seized control early, building an 18-10 lead after the first quarter and extending it to a 31-20 advantage by halftime. Florida’s interior offense proved too much for Memphis to handle, as the Gators consistently found success in the paint while both teams struggled from beyond the arc. Florida made just one of its 14 three-point attempts, while Memphis connected on only two of 11.

The Gators were led by a commanding effort from Me’Arah O’Neal. The 6-foot-4 sophomore from Houston scored 24 points, showcasing an efficient offensive game despite missing all three of her attempts from deep. She was complemented by a game-high 27 points from guard Liv McGill of Minneapolis. The backcourt duo of Alexia Dizeko of Sion, Sweden, and Laila Reynolds of PG County, Maryland, facilitated the offense, with Dizeko dishing out five assists and Reynolds adding three.

Memphis, which never led in the game, was paced by Daejah Richmond. The guard from Cordova, Tennessee, fought for 19 points in 32 minutes of action. Forward Tamya Smith of Pleasant Grove, Alabama, provided a secondary scoring threat, finishing with 15 points for the Tigers.

The game’s tempo was disjointed, marred by a combined 27 turnovers. Florida committed 15 giveaways, while Memphis had 12. The Gators compensated for their ball-handling issues with a significant advantage in field goal percentage, shooting 41.8 percent from the floor on 28-of-67 shooting. The Tigers managed to make only 31.1 percent of their shots, going 19 for 61.

Despite the loss, Memphis was more active on the defensive end, recording eight steals and three blocks compared to Florida’s five steals and four blocks. The Tigers also won the battle on the offensive glass, securing 10 offensive rebounds to Florida’s eight.

After halftime, the Tigers showed signs of life in the third quarter, outscoring the Gators 19-21 to narrow the deficit. However, Florida responded emphatically in the final period, pouring in 22 points to Memphis’s 21 to seal the victory and prevent any late-game comeback.

From the free-throw line, Florida was efficient, making 17 of 22 attempts. Memphis attempted more free throws, 28, but converted only 20, leaving potential points on the board in a game where scoring was at a premium.

The win improves Florida’s season record to 7-1, continuing a strong start that includes recent victories over Florida Atlantic and in-state rival Florida State. The loss drops Memphis to an even 4-4 on the year, as they continue a neutral-site stint in Canada.

Florida’s offensive rating of 87.6 points per 100 possessions, while not spectacular, was markedly better than Memphis’s rating of 78.6, underlining the Gators’ superior efficiency in a defensively-oriented contest.

Announced attendance at the neutral-site game was 1,050.

Florida is scheduled to return to action quickly, facing Georgia Tech on Saturday. Memphis will also play again Saturday, taking on Saint John’s to conclude its games in Parry Sound.