Florida took care of business against UC Santa Barbara (18-14, 8-8) 79-51.
The Gators got out to a fast start breaking 40-points before the Gauchos eclipsed the 20-point mark.
Florida did it with a balanced attack all game finishing with 22 assist, on 29 made field goals. The intensity was there all game, and Florida ran UC Santa Barbara out of the building early.
Junior guard Erving Walker led the Gators with 18-points nailing 4-of-6 from downtown and added six assist as well.
Backcourt mate Kenny Boynton also chipped-on 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting to go along with a season-high four steals.
Vernon Macklin and Chandler Parsons also chipped in 10-points apiece, while Parson finished with a game-high 10 assist, and seven rebounds.
The Gators tough defense was the determining factor of Florida getting out of the first round. The Gators held UC Santa Barbara to 36 percent shooting from the field, and 26 percent from downtown.
Not to mention, holding the Gauchos to a season-low 51 points, as well as, turning them over 17 times.
UC Santa Barbara had two players in double-figures led by junior Orlando Johnson, who poured in a game-high 21 points, four rebounds, and two steals. James Nunnally also got into the action with 12 points and five rebounds.
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