Boynton turns attention to Mack after stopping Jimmer
Friday, March 25, 2011 | Men's Basketball, Women's Golf, Scott Carter
NEW ORLEANS -- With Jimmer-Mania in the rearview mirror, Gators sophomore guard Kenny Boynton now has Butler's Shelvin Mack to contend with.
Boynton defended BYU's Jimmer Fredette on Thursday and helped force Fredette to take 29 shots – including 15 three-pointers – to score 32 points in Florida's 83-74 overtime win. Fredette struggled to find any consistent rhythm as Boynton and Co. ended the Cougars' season.
While Fredette is more of a spot-up shooter who can create his own shot, Mack packs more of a punch physically at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds. Mack has an inch in height and is about 30 pounds heavier than Boynton. He also prefers to drive to the basket rather than settle for jump shots.
Boynton is prepared for a different challenge than the one he faced against Fredette. He said Friday that his ankle felt fine after chasing Fredette around the night before.
“They don't have a Jimmer, but I think Shelvin Mack, he's also a great player,'' Boynton said. “I think Matt Howard – he's also a great player. We have to respect both of those guys. They are the heart and soul of that team.''
Howard scored a team-high 20 points in Butler's 61-54 win over Wisconsin on Thursday in the Sweet 16 and Mack added 13. Mack averages 15.6 points, second to Howard's 16.7 for the Bulldogs.
As for how to defend Mack, Boynton said he has to be physical.
“It's going to come down to getting over screens,'' Boynton said. “I've seen some film on him where he probes and he waits for the big guy to move and then he just drives to the hole. It's going to be on me to get through screens.
“He is definitely bigger than me, so I've got to hold my ground and not let him to get to the hole. Overall, he is a great player.''
