GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — In a Southeastern Conference women’s basketball clash defined by grinding defense and critical plays in the final minute, the Florida Gators held off a late charge from the Arkansas Razorbacks for a 75-69 victory on Sunday at the O’Connell Center.

The game, played before a crowd of 1,658, was a showcase for Florida guard Liv McGill. The sophomore from Minneapolis delivered a dominant all-around performance, scoring 25 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and dishing out eight assists to lead the Gators. Her efforts were pivotal in helping Florida improve to 15-11 overall. Arkansas, led by 21 points from Emily Robinson of Caddo, Oklahoma, fell to 11-14.

The contest was a defensive struggle from the outset, with both teams struggling to find consistent offensive rhythm. Florida finished the game with an offensive rating of 96.2, scoring 75 points on 78 possessions, while Arkansas managed an 85.7 rating with 69 points on 81 trips. The teams combined for 33 turnovers, with Arkansas committing 19, which Florida converted into 16 points.

Florida built its lead through steady, if not explosive, offensive execution across the quarters, posting scores of 19, 14, 21, and 21. Arkansas, meanwhile, was plagued by a slow middle stretch, scoring just 12 points in the second quarter and 16 in the third before a 24-point fourth-quarter rally made the finish tense.

The Razorbacks shot just 34.8% from the field (23 of 66) and 29% from three-point range (9 of 31). Florida fared slightly better at 38.8% overall (26 of 67) and 33.3% from deep (8 of 24). Both teams were nearly even on the glass, each pulling down 13 offensive rebounds, but Florida’s ability to capitalize on Arkansas mistakes proved a key differentiator.

McGill was the engine for the Gators throughout, but she received crucial support. Me’Arah O’Neal of Houston added 16 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, while Caterina Piatti of Italy and Alexia Dizeko of Sweden chipped in 10 and nine points, respectively. For Arkansas, Taleyah Jones of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, scored 19 points, and Harmonie Ware of Cleveland, Tennessee, contributed 12 points and six rebounds. Bonnie Deas of Australia anchored the interior with 14 rebounds for the Razorbacks.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute with Florida clinging to a 71-69 lead. After an Arkansas turnover, McGill was fouled and calmly sank two free throws with 21 seconds remaining to push the lead to four. Following an Arkansas timeout, the Razorbacks’ Taleyah Jones missed a potential game-tying three-pointer. McGill was again fouled on the ensuing rebound and sealed the victory by making two more free throws with eight seconds left, providing the final 75-69 margin.

The win allowed Florida to hold serve at home and bounce back from a recent stretch that included losses in three of its previous four games. Arkansas, despite the loss, showed resilience in its late comeback attempt but ultimately extended a difficult run in conference play. The Razorbacks have now lost eight of their last nine games.

Florida next travels to face Oklahoma on Thursday. Arkansas will hit the road for a matchup against Mississippi, also on Thursday.