Florida Gators
London Leopards
Men's Basketball Downs London Leopards, 118-95
Tuesday, November 7, 2000 | Men's Basketball
The University of Florida men's basketball team began the preseason in style with an 118-95 win over the London Leopards (2-2) in the Gators' first exhibition game. Sophomore Matt Bonner led the Gators and with a UF exhibition record 35 points. Senior Brent Wright added 21. The win marked the Gators' ninth consecutive preseason win in an exhibition game.
The Leopards jumped out to an early 13-8 lead in the first five minutes, but the Gators eventually found their rhythm and finished with 57 first-half points. "I'm pleased with how we played in the first half," Florida head coach Billy Donovan said. "I think our press played a big role toward the end of the first half. I was disappointed with some of our play in the second half"
Florida continued its offensive attack in the second half as Bonner scored 24 of his 35 points. "Tonight I had a chance to get some more minutes," Bonner explained. "They didn't guard me for most of the game and my teammates saw that and got the ball to me. The thing is, scoring is only a little part of the game and we have many more things we need to work on."
The Leopards were led by Maurice Robinson and Jason Kimbrough, who scored 26 and 23 points, respectively.
Florida will face the EA Sports/California All-Stars in its second exhibition game of the preseason Monday, Nov. 13 in Gainesville. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in the Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
