Florida’s Eleanna Christinaki was in involved in the game-winning play in the closing moments during both Gator wins last week and her efforts were recognized by the Southeastern Conference, which named her the SEC Freshman of the Week on Tuesday.
Florida rallied from a 10-point deficit in the third quarter on the road at Arkansas (January 28) and forced overtime where the Gators earned the 71-66 win.
Three night’s later, Florida knocked off No. 12 Kentucky, 85-79, and Christinaki’s end-of-game heroics sealed the victory.
This is the third time the Gator rookie has been honored with the league’s weekly award. In Gator history, only Sha Brooks collected more SEC Freshman of the Week honors, doing so four times during the 2005-06 season.
Quick Highlights from Christinaki’s Week:
- In the overtime road win at Arkansas, Christinaki, who finished with a team-best 16 points, scored the go-ahead bucket when she converted a driving layup with 17 seconds left in overtime that gave the Gators a one-point lead and Florida sealed the win at the free throw line in the five-point victory.
- During the upset against No. 12 Kentucky, Christinaki scored the final five points of the game that included a big steal resulting in her conversion of a three-point-play with four seconds remaining and the Gators knocked off the Wildcats, 85-79.
- Prior to that game-clinching play, Christinaki hit one free throw that gave UF a three-point lead with 17 seconds remaining and forced Kentucky to make a three-pointer to tie the game.
- Dished a career-best 11 assists in the win against Kentucky for her second double-double of her career – both have been in SEC games!
- Christinaki continues to lead the Gators in scoring – all games and in SEC games
- Christinaki leads all SEC freshmen in scoring, assists and assist-to-turnover ratio
- Christinaki has a team-best 13 double-figure scoring games this year
What’s Next for the Gators:
- Who: No. 22 Florida hosts No. 12 Texas A&M
- When: Thursday, February 4 at 7 p.m. ET
- Where: Stephen C. O’Connell Center * Gainesville, Fla.
Additional Hoopla for Thursday’s Game #STWS
- Saluting Those Who Serve: Free admission to military members, veterans, first responders and their families
o   First 250 fans receive mini American Flags
o   Special veteran and military recognitions throughout the game
- Gator Fandana Giveaway: The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a Gators Fandana
- $1 Thursdays: Thursday night $1 promotion, all general admission tickets are $1
- DJ Scotty B: Orlando’s premier DJ, in attendance again to provide in-game entertainment and emcee
- Halftime basketball game featuring College Veterans and First Responders
- Campus Challenge: Students – here’s your first chance to win awesome prizes in our 2015-16 Campus Challenge!
o   Make sure to check-in for your residence hall and enjoy the action with your peers! Pizza giveaway for First 100 students!
FOLLOW THE GATORS:
FloridaGators.com
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Coach Amanda Butler on Twitter