Me'Arah O'Neal Stats Today - How did Shaq's daughter fare vs Tulane? (Nov 28) 

Me’Arah O’Neal shined in her return, but the Florida Gators fell to the Tulane Green Wave 83-81 on Thursday at the St. Pete Showcase in Tampa, Florida.

Thursday’s matchup marked the return of freshman wing Me’Arah O’Neal, who had been sidelined with an undisclosed lower-body injury sustained against Miami on Nov. 16. Starting for the Gators, O’Neal recorded seven points, six rebounds and one block in 22 minutes of action.

Florida got off to a slow start, trailing 21-12 by the end of the first quarter. However, the Gators tightened up defensively in the second, holding Tulane to just 16.7% shooting (3-for-18) in the period. By halftime, Florida had edged ahead, leading 30-29.

The Gators maintained their advantage for most of the second half, with their largest lead coming at 58-46 late in the third quarter (1:29). But in the fourth, Tulane began to claw back, tying the game six times in the closing minutes. With less than 30 seconds remaining, the score was locked at 81-81.

Tulane capitalized on the final possession, sinking the game-winning shot to secure an 83-81 victory over Florida.

Me’Arah O’Neal continues to establish her presence with Florida

Last year, O'Neal faced an unusual predicament. Having already embraced basketball, she had to decide whether to follow in her father's footsteps by choosing his alma mater, LSU, or forge her own path. Ultimately, she opted to join the Florida Gators — LSU’s long-standing rival.

Me’Arah O’Neal officially joined the Gators’ 2024 signing class on Nov. 13, 2023, inking a national letter of intent. Ranked as the No. 33 recruit in the country by Prospects Nation and the ESPNW Top 100, the freshman guard has made a strong impression early in her collegiate career.

In five games with the Gators, O’Neal is averaging 7.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 assists in 14.3 minutes per game while shooting 50% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc.

She has already delivered standout performances, including a career-high 18 points and eight rebounds against the Houston Cougars, ranking third among game leaders. O’Neal also contributed six points, two rebounds and two assists in the Gators’ dominant 102-67 win over Florida A&M.

As her freshman season progresses, O’Neal continues to carve out a significant role in Florida’s rotation.

The Gators remain in St. Petersburg for day two of the St. Pete Showcase, where they’ll face James Madison University on Friday at 3:00 p.m. ET.