Florida Gators
Jacksonville
Men's Hoops Takes Opener Over JU, 81-59
Saturday, November 20, 2004 | Men's Basketball
Anthony Roberson scored 19 points, David Lee added 15 points and 10 rebounds and No. 23 Florida routed Jacksonville 81-59 in the season opener for both teams Friday night at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.
The Gators won their 14th consecutive opener and extended their winning streak against in-state opponents to 24.
Matt Walsh added 14 points while Adrian Moss matched Lee with a team-high 10 rebounds.
Trailing 20-17 just under eight minutes into the game, the Gators turned things up a notch defensively, limiting the Dolphins to just two field goals over the final 12:28 of the first half, taking a 43-32 lead into the locker room.
The Gators opened with a flurry in the second half behind the defensive play of Corey Brewer, who tied a UF freshman opening night record with five steals. Making a start in his first collegiate game, Brewer also added nine points on 3-of-6 shooting.
Jacksonville cut the lead to 58-47 midway through the second half on back-to-back 3-pointers by B.J. Surry. But Roberson answered with his second trey, and the Gators made their free throws down the stretch to rule out a comeback.
The Gators methodically wore down the Dolphins behind a rotation of 11 players, with none reaching 30 minutes of playing time.
On the night the Gators were extremely disruptive defensively, forcing 24 turnovers, while limiting the Dolphins to just 20 total field goals. For the game, Florida shot 49.1 percent and hit 6-of-16 attempts. The Gators were effective getting to the line, hitting 19-of-25 shots.
Florida returns to action on Tuesday when they host Florida Atlantic in the 2004 home opener. For ticket information, contact the University of Florida ticket office at 352-375-4683, x6800.
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