Florida Gators
South Carolina
Florida Men's Basketball Wins SEC Opener
Saturday, January 5, 2002 | Men's Basketball
Florida moved to 12-1 on the year (1-0 SEC) thanks to a 12-0 second half run that broke open a tight game. The Gators were leading 50-43 with about seven minutes to play when Orien Greene hit a three-pointer to give the Gators a 53-43 advantage. That lead grew to 62-43 with just under four minutes to go when Haslem made his final two points of the afternoon.
"I thought our guys started the game a little tight," Gator coach Billy Donovan said. "First SEC game, a little bit nervous, but I think that it is good that we've got that behind us now."
The Gators shot 50 percent and held South Carolina to 37 percent, but they committed 22 turnovers to 16 for the Gamecocks. That's the first time this season that Florida has lost the turnover battle.
South Carolina had a lot of trouble with Haslem, who made 9-of-13 shots and 6-of-7 from the foul line. Donovan said staying out of foul trouble was the big difference for Haslem, who's had foul trouble against the Gamecocks in the past.
"Their frontcourt (Tony Kitchings and Rolando Howell) are big, physical, athletic kids," Donovan said. "Udonis, who doesn't mind the physical play, in years past would get called for offensive fouls. Emotionally and mentally it takes him out of the game. I thought he really kept his composure today."
Junior forward Matt Bonner, held scoreless in the first half, roared back in the second half. Bonner scored all nine of his points in the first four minutes after halftime. Brett Nelson finished with 12 points while Justin Hamilton contributed 11. Hamilton was perfect at the line with five free throws. As a team, the Gators sank 14-of-16 foul shots.
Haslem scored 12 points and Nelson ten to help the Gators lead 31-24 at the half.
South Carolina's backcourt of Aaron Lucas and Jamel Bradley were the only Gamecocks to score in double figures. Lucas scored 14, while Bradley had 13.
The Gamecocks fell to 10-4 overall and 0-1 in league play. The Gators, with 14-straight home wins, now hit the road with games at Tennessee (Jan. 9) and at Vanderbilt (Jan. 12). Wednesday's game in Knoxville will tip off at 8 p.m. ET.
