At the Buzzer: Florida 77, Georgia 63 (Instant Analysis)
Saturday, January 2, 2016 | Men's Basketball, Chris Harry
AT THE BUZZER
FLORIDA 77, GEORGIA 63
WHAT HAPPENED: Struggling to score the ball throughout the non-conference season, the Gators were red-hot to start their Southeastern Conference schedule. UF was hitting better than 50 percent from the floor and 3-point line three-quarters through the first half, allowing them to build a 16-point lead and go on to finish off the Bulldogos in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams Saturday night at the O'Connell Center. The win may have come at a price, however, as sophomore forward Devin Robinson -- with 13 points in just 10 minutes -- left the game late in the first half after taking an elbow to the chest. He did not return and his status was unknown immediately after the game. Freshman guard KeVaughn Allen, with 18 points, led the Gators in scoring for the second straight game, while sophomore center John Egbunu carded his third double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
WHAT IT MEANS: It's always good to start the conference season with a victory. Make that four straight years UF has done so. The Gators beat the Bulldogs at home to start '13 and South Carolina at home in '14 and on the road in '15. Now this one.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: How severe the injury to Robinson is figures to be the biggest story of the next few days. Though he really struggled defensively in the loss Tuesday night against Florida State, Robinson responded to the challenge put him by the coaches -- and his benching from the starting lineup Saturday -- with his best half of the season.
STAGGERING STATISTIC: Georgia was not a rip-roaring, fill-it-up team from the 3-point line coming in, but the Bulldogs were averaging better than six makes and 17 attempts from deep for the season. UF's perimeter defense and rotation around the arc was good enough to limit UGA to just 2-for-12 from long distance, with a handful of attempts coming late in the game when the Dawgs were trying to cut into a double-digit deficit. The Gators outscored the Dawgs 18-6 from deep.
UP NEXT: Florida (9-4, 1-0) hits the SEC road Wednesday night at Tennessee. The Volunteers (7-6, 0-1) lost their league debut Saturday 83-77 at Auburn.
