No. 21 Purdue 85, Florida 70 (Instant Analysis)
Monday, November 23, 2015 | Men's Basketball, Chris Harry
AT THE BUZZER
NO. 21 PURDUE 85, FLORIDA 70
WHAT HAPPENED: The Boilermakers' gargantuan size advantage was only part of the problem for the Gators in Sunday night's game at Mohegan Sun Arena. Purdue bombed in 11 3-point shots (nearly doubling Florida's six) and ran away to hand UF a lopsided loss in the finals of the Hall of Fame Tipoff. The Boilermakers put four players in double-figures, led by guard Raphael Davis' 18 points points and another 15 from reserve point guard Vince Edwards. Purdue shot 50 percent overall for the game and 53 percent after halftime, as UF could manage just 35 percent. The Gators got 19 points and seven rebounds from sophomore center John Egbunu and 17 points and eight rebounds from senior forward Dorian Finney-Smith.
WHAT IT MEANS: In their first game against a ranked opponent, the Gators got a look at just where they stack up. In the case of the Boilermakers (5-0), UF could not match up against the combination of size and long-range shooting. And quite honestly, a lot of teams in the Big Ten are going to have that problem. Still, the Gators have to improve their touch from deep.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Egbunu picked up early fouls in each of UF's first three games and had trouble getting into a flow. Not this time. As such, the Gators got a good look at the force the 6-foot-11, 255-pounder can be when he can cut it loose and play. Even facing all that Purdue beef -- including two talented 7-footers -- Egbunu made seven of 14 shots from the floor and went 5-for-6 from the free-throw line.
STAGGERING STATISTIC: Florida had a season-low seven turnovers, but only nine assists for their 26 field goals for the game.That's a credit to Purdue's defense (especially in the interior), but also an indictment of UF's search for some consistent outside scoring.
UP NEXT: The Gators (3-1) are back at the O'Connell Center for three straight games, with two during the upcoming Thanksgiving week. Florida faces Vermont (2-2) on Wednesday at 3 p.m., then Friday gets a house call from Florida Gulf Coast (2-1) Friday at 6:30 p.m., on the eve of the home football game against rival Florida State.
