At the Buzzer: Florida 81, Seton Hall 76 (Instant Analysis)
Thursday, November 24, 2016 | Men's Basketball, Chris Harry
A quick wrap of Thursday night's opening game of the AdvoCare Invitational.
AT THE BUZZER
FLORIDA 81, SETON HALL 76
WHAT HAPPENED: The best opponent the Gators had faced this young season produced (not surprisingly) the best game to date -- and the best victory, as UF made plays down the stretch to defeat Seton Hall in first-round play of the AdvoCare Invitational Tournament at HP Fieldhouse. Down by six early in the second half and showing very little on either end, UF scored 10 unswered points, sparked by a pair of backups in guard Chris Chiozza and forward Canyon Barry, who helped push the Gators out to a seven-point cushion with just under six minutes left. Florida would not trail again, but things got dicey. The Pirates, behind guard Khadeen Carrington's 28 points, stormed back to close within 73-71 with 1:56 left. That's where sophomore guard KeVaughn Allen (21 points, 7-for-14 from the field, 6 rebounds) made a clutch driving, hanging bankshot down the right side of the lane and, after a UF stop, it was Chiozza with one of two free throws to push the Gators up by six. Seton Hall had a chance to get back within three, but guard Myles Powell made two of three free throws and Barry's rebound and free throw at the other end helped seal the win. Barry finished with 20 points and six rebounds, while center John Egbunu had eight points and 10 boards.
WHAT IT MEANS: The Gators matched their best start in four years when they opened the 2012-13 season with seven straight victories. But maybe better than that, UF put a win in the books against a team that figures to challenge for the Big East title and be in the NCAA Tournament come March. More good RPI points on a neutral site.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Carrington used his size (6-4, 205) and strength to get just about anywhere and any shot he wanted. He was a major mismatch against the Gators' smaller guards on his way to making 10 of his 16 shots, including two of four from the 3-point line. A lot of times, though, the ball stopped with him. He finished with just one assist.
STAGGERING STATISTIC: Florida got beaten up pretty good in the paint, outscored by the Pirates 34-24, but after surrendering nearly 55-percent shooting from the floor in the first half, the Gators clamped down on defense and limited the Pirates to just 33 percent in the second. Give UF credit for answering the challenge put forth by a very tough team from the Big East Conference.
UP NEXT: The Gators (5-0) moved into the AdvoCare winner's bracket, where they get an even tougher test -- a showdown with No. 11 Gonzaga (4-0) Friday night at 8:30. The Bulldogs advanced by beating Quinnipiac 82-62 in the early Thursday night game.
FLORIDA 81, SETON HALL 76
WHAT HAPPENED: The best opponent the Gators had faced this young season produced (not surprisingly) the best game to date -- and the best victory, as UF made plays down the stretch to defeat Seton Hall in first-round play of the AdvoCare Invitational Tournament at HP Fieldhouse. Down by six early in the second half and showing very little on either end, UF scored 10 unswered points, sparked by a pair of backups in guard Chris Chiozza and forward Canyon Barry, who helped push the Gators out to a seven-point cushion with just under six minutes left. Florida would not trail again, but things got dicey. The Pirates, behind guard Khadeen Carrington's 28 points, stormed back to close within 73-71 with 1:56 left. That's where sophomore guard KeVaughn Allen (21 points, 7-for-14 from the field, 6 rebounds) made a clutch driving, hanging bankshot down the right side of the lane and, after a UF stop, it was Chiozza with one of two free throws to push the Gators up by six. Seton Hall had a chance to get back within three, but guard Myles Powell made two of three free throws and Barry's rebound and free throw at the other end helped seal the win. Barry finished with 20 points and six rebounds, while center John Egbunu had eight points and 10 boards.
WHAT IT MEANS: The Gators matched their best start in four years when they opened the 2012-13 season with seven straight victories. But maybe better than that, UF put a win in the books against a team that figures to challenge for the Big East title and be in the NCAA Tournament come March. More good RPI points on a neutral site.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Carrington used his size (6-4, 205) and strength to get just about anywhere and any shot he wanted. He was a major mismatch against the Gators' smaller guards on his way to making 10 of his 16 shots, including two of four from the 3-point line. A lot of times, though, the ball stopped with him. He finished with just one assist.
STAGGERING STATISTIC: Florida got beaten up pretty good in the paint, outscored by the Pirates 34-24, but after surrendering nearly 55-percent shooting from the floor in the first half, the Gators clamped down on defense and limited the Pirates to just 33 percent in the second. Give UF credit for answering the challenge put forth by a very tough team from the Big East Conference.
UP NEXT: The Gators (5-0) moved into the AdvoCare winner's bracket, where they get an even tougher test -- a showdown with No. 11 Gonzaga (4-0) Friday night at 8:30. The Bulldogs advanced by beating Quinnipiac 82-62 in the early Thursday night game.
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