SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

March 3, 2021

Cam Newbauer

Florida Gators

Postgame Press Conference

Florida 69, Auburn 62.

THE MODERATOR: Questions for Coach.

Q. Obviously talk about Kiki today. We've talked about her for the last few years. Hitting a thousand points today, the way her and Danny stepped up to get that big win today.

CAM NEWBAUER: Kiki Smith, it's what she does. She takes over when we need her most. Missed some shots that she normally hits today, but really took over big when we needed her to, especially defensively. That's the one part where you -- we don't give her enough credit for what she does defensively, her ability out there to disrupt things. She spearheads that for us.

Such a competitive warrior heart. Just so proud of her. Glad she got the thousand points. Glad we get to fight another day.

Q. Danny's two clutch threes there was the momentum swing in the game, then Kristina stepping up, Jordyn takes a charge, just the team effort in the fourth quarter, where it did get close there.

CAM NEWBAUER: Really proud. We talk about being ready all year when your number is called, being ready to perform when we need you to produce. That's exactly what happened today. Jordyn Merritt takes that huge charge, 9.7 rebounds. Danielle Rainey hits the two threes, with three minutes to go. I forget what it was, big shots. Kristina Moore with that driving layup, that allowed defensive stops. Nina in her first half having some good scores, that attack at the rim. Second and third quarter, the 9.7 rebounds. Floor's defense. Faith had some big baskets for us. Everybody. Our bench was energized, engaged.

I love the resolve we've had all year. Just so proud of our team. It doesn't have anything to do with the results, just has to do with competing, sticking together and being the best version of ourselves.

Q. What do you think worked really well? Obviously for the first half shutting down Unique, which is obviously a great player.

CAM NEWBAUER: Phenomenal player. You can't shut her down. You can limit her, try to contain her. 14 and 10, it's pretty good. But six offensive rebounds. She just plays so hard. You've got to really have two people knowing where she is at all times.

I think we got stops when we had to late. But they made some good adjustments, made the run, took the lead. Hard-fought game. Heck of a player right there. What a career that she's had for the SEC. What an ambassador for our league. Hats off to her with an amazing career.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you very much.

CAM NEWBAUER: Thank you.