The seventh-ranked Florida Gators made sure they went into the Christmas holiday on a high note. The Gators made 19 assists and turned the ball over just seven times in a 76-33 win over American University.
The seventh-ranked Florida Gators made sure they went into the Christmas holiday on a high note. The Gators dished out 19 assists and turned the ball over just seven times in a 76-33 win over American University Saturday. The 33 points scored by the Eagles was the fewest allowed by a Gator team since the inception of the shot clock. It was the lowest output since 1948 when Stetson scored just 34 points against Florida.
Brett Nelson was one of three players in double figures. He scored all 10 of his points in the first half as the Gators built a 41-14 advantage. Udonis Haslem shot less than 50 percent, but he still finished as Florida's high scorer with 14. LaDarius Halton scored all of his 10 points in the second half.
The Gators won big despite not having the energy level they usually bring to the court. "I really thought our guys were a little tired," said Gator coach Billy Donovan in his postgame radio interview. "You could see that it's been a long two weeks for them," said Donovan. "I think the holidays are coming up at a perfect time for our basketball team."
Donovan was pleased with the way his players protected the basketball with the seven turnovers. "We did a great job defensively, guarding the three-point line and, offensively, we were well balanced," said Donovan. The Gators held American to just over 28 percent shooting while making nine of 10 free throws.
Besides the double figure scorers, Justin Hamilton scored nine points, Brent Wright chipped in with eight while Teddy Dupay made two treys for six points.
The Gators will next play Thursday December 28, in the Nokia Sugar Bowl Classic in New Orleans. Florida takes on Tulane with the tip-off set for 8 pm eastern.
