Exhibition Game: DT-3 71, Florida 62

Usually, exhibition games are to provide a tune-up for the home team, a chance for the local women's five to see how well they work together and find any problems before it's too late to correct them in regular season play. The job of the exhibition team is to enjoy playing against a big-name college team and to extend one's hoop dreams for a few more games.

What Florida didn't count on was one player who was not there for the ride. Nikki Teasley, signed by the Atlanta Dream in August, would return to competitive play on the big stage with this game. She would end up leading DT-3 in points as DT-3 undoubtedly upset home team Florida, 71-62.

The boxscore from the game is here. The writeup is here.

DT-3 started the game off with a 10-0 run, and Florida didn't score at all for over five minutes. Florida would never take the lead in the game. They managed to get close, 21-19, with 8:22 remaining before DT-3 went on a another 9-0 run. DT-3 lead at halftime 40-26 and generally led by double digits until Florida closed the gap in a valiant but futile attempt to come back in the final minutes.

Neither team shot well. DT-3 only shot 37 percent, but Florida matched that with 35 percent shooting. DT-3 outrebounded Florida 50-44, but on the offensive boards both teams would be even. Florida would have three more turnovers, 21-18. Visits to the free throw line would be even, but DT-3 would hit more of their free throws.

Leading in points for DT-3 was Nikki Teasley, with 15 points in 28 minutes of play. As for shooting efficiently, it took Nikki 17 shots (13 FGA, 4 FTA) to make those 15 points, which isn't bad after such an extended layoff.

Four players would score in double digits for DT-3. Ezria Parsons would score 3 total points, but 15 total rebounds. Parsons was a graduate of South Florida. Nalaini Miller would score 11 points with 5 for 6 field goal shooting. (I have not been able to find out who Nalaini played for in college.)

As for Florida, Sha Brooks would lead with 11 points. Three Gators scored in double figures, with Marshae Dotson leading with 10 points and eight rebounds. Aneika Henry, probably the best of the seniors, went 0-for-3 with a single rebound as a center.

What about Azania Stewart, the true freshman that was personally coached by Nikki Teasley and her brother Mike? Not bad. She only played 11 minutes, but scored seven points and four rebounds, with 3-for-4 shooting. Both Teasley's performance - and Stewart's - are hopefully good tidings for 2009.