Florida Gators News: Talitha Diggs sets American record, more

While we argue over whether or not the men’s basketball for the Florida Gators is a train wreck or not, it is nice to be reminded what a well-run program in Gainesville can accomplish.

Literally.

Florida finished as runner-up at the SEC indoor track and field championships over the weekend behind Arkansas for both the men and women, but it was Florida grabbing some of the biggest headlines from the meet.

Talitha Diggs set an American record in the indoor 400-meter dash by throwing down a blistering time of 50.15. Diggs is the defending national champion in the event for both indoor and outdoor track and appears well on her way to defending her crown.

In addition to Diggs, Alida Van Daalen won the shot put and Jasmine Moore won both the long jump and triple jump.

The men were highlighted by Jacory Patterson running 20.29 in the 200-meter dash, the second fastest time in school history.

Florida will now gear up for the national meet on March 10th and 11th.

Florida Gators: Women’s basketball ends the regular season on a high note

For a while, the bottom looked like it fell out for the women’s basketball team. After making the NCAA tournament last season, the Gators couldn’t quite keep up the momentum this year. Entering last week, Florida was on a five-game losing streak, with all losses coming by double digits.

But following a four-point win over Alabama, Florida was able to power past Missouri yesterday in a 61-52 win over the Tigers. Leilani Correa was pivotal in the win, scoring 17 points and collecting 16 rebounds.

KK Deans chipped in with 13 points.

The win moved Florida to 16-13 on the season and guarantees Florida will finish with a winning record in 2023.

It may not seem like much, but it does guarantee the first back-to-back winning seasons for the Florida Gators since 2014.

Florida will enter the SEC tournament as the 11th seed and play Kentucky in their opening game, with the winner moving on to face Alabama.