At the Buzzer: No. 25 Florida 81, Arkansas 72

Thursday, December 29

Fayetteville, AR

9 PM

Florida Gators

Arkansas

Tickets

At the Buzzer: No. 25 Florida 81, Arkansas 72

Thursday, December 29, 2016 | Men's Basketball, Chris Harry

Photo Gallery by Chris Brashers

The Gators opened the SEC slate Thursday night with a big win on the road.

By: Chris Harry, Senior Writer

AT THE BUZZER
No. 25 FLORIDA 81, Arkansas 72

WHAT HAPPENED: The Gators got their Southeastern Conference season off to a big-time start by taking the fight to the Razorbacks from the tip and leaving Bud Walton Arena with a decisive victory. Sophomore guard KeVaughn Allen returned to his home state and led UF with 21 points, including a 5-for-9 effort from the 3-point line. Junior forward Devin Robinson had 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while senior point guard Kasey Hill went for 10 points and six assists. Sophomore center Kevarrius Hayes, making his third straight start, had 10 points and six rebounds, but junior John Egbunu returned to action after missing two games with a hamstring injury. He finished with five points and 11 rebounds, including five on the offensive end. Florida led by nine at halftime. The Hogs cut the lead to three just 90 seconds in, but the Gators quickly took it back out to eight and the closest Arkansas got from there was five (just once) and trailed by as many as 16, thanks to UF's 50-percent shooting in the second half.

WHAT IT MEANS: It's always nice to start league play with a win, especially on the road -- and even better when it came come at a venue like Bud Walton, one of the toughest places to play in the SEC. And, frankly, the game wasn't very close. This should be quite the confidence boost for the Gators.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Had to be Allen, who grew up three hours to the southwest in Little Rock, where he helped lead North Little Rock High to three straight state championships then stunned (and shunned) the home state folks by choosing to play at UF. Allen was booed every time his name was called by the PA announcer and every time he touched the ball. He was unfazed by it all and even bombed in a couple NBA variety 3-pointers in the second half when the Hogs were on mini-runs and the crowd was trying to get back in the game.

STAGGERING STATISTIC: Florida has now beaten Arkansas six straight times, 11 of the last 12, and 18 of the last 21 dating to 2003.

UP NEXT: The Gators (10-3, 1-0) are off until next week, when school will be back in session and the Rowdy Reptiles will be in place for the SEC home opener against Ole Miss (9-4, 0-1). The Rebels were beaten at home 99-76 by No. 8 Kentucky in their league opener Thursday night.