Florida Gators Take Care of Business Against UC Santa Barbara

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

On a day filled with game-winners, and mid-major programs advancing, the Florida Gators (27-7, 13-3) made sure it wasn't upset in the first round again.

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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Marcus Jordan Leads the Knights Over No. 16 Gators

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The UCF Knights (6-0) continued their flawless record against the No. 16 Florida Gators (5-2) after handing them their second loss on the season.

The Knights took care of the ball all night only turning the ball over six times.

UCF also nailed five three-point attempts and watched Marcus Jordan, and Keith Clanton nail crucial free-throws as the Knights pull of the biggest win of their young season.

Florida had a hard time containing the spectacular play of Jordan. 

Late in the second half, Jordan crossed over Macklin, intially had his shot blocked, switched to his left hand, and nailed the layup. Soon after, UCF never let Florida contain them offensively and rolled to a 57-54 upset.

Jordan led the upset with 18 points, nine second half points, four rebounds, two assist, while shooting 6-of-11 (54%) from the field.

Jordan scored five straight late in the second half to keep UCF in the lead.

Clanton was also in double figures with 12 points, and seven rebounds.

The Gators were unable to produce at the line shooting 10-of-18 (55%), and only nailed 2-of-13 (15%) from three.

Despite the struggles from the line, the Gators had three players in double-figures. Vernon Macklin lead all scorers with 20 points, and eight rebounds. Erving Walker also chipped in 16 points, with Kenny Boynton producing 10 points of offense as well.

Florida's star Chandler Parsons was held to one field goal and finished the game 1-of-9 with two points, seven rebounds and five assist.

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Add "Contender" To the Florida Gators Resume

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last era is marked with the back-to-back National Championship winner, Florida Gators. 

If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. And the Gators were moving forward with Al Horford, Joakim Noah and Corey Brewer. 

Being a National Champion was also a feather in the cap of both the Gator and their fans.

However, once Horford, Noah and Brewer left to play in the NBA, the Gators relied on their top ranked 2007 recruiting class to help them continue success. 

They brought in Nick Calathes, Chandler Parsons, Adam Allen, Jai Lucas, and Alex Tyus. 

All five of these players were considered to be one of the best in the recruiting class. Especially Calathes and Parsons, they created a lot of thrill coming out of high school. 

Many suspected to see all these players to continue the Gators dominance.

On the other hand, things went in a different way! In their first season together they were a 21-win team when the regular season ended. 

They weren't invited to the NCAA tournament, but did make a run to the NIT semi-finals before losing to the Massachusetts Minutemen. 

That was not the ultimate season but the Gators did see the potential in their talented but young team. 

The next season, nothing improved, the Gators were granted a NIT berth. After another NIT loss and Calathes left for the NBA draft. 

That left a hole in the backcourt that Kenny Boynton and Erving Walker would curb.

Just last year, the Gators were finally granted a NCAA berth, led by freshmen Boynton. 

Parsons and Tyus both stepped up significantly and Florida has some clarity. 

The Gators lost Dan Werner and Ray Shipman from last year's first-round team. 

They returned everyone else and brought in a great recruiting class. Patric Young, the exciting McDonalds All-American and Casey Prather are going to be in blue and orange next season.

Young is an electrifying shot-blocker in the post. He stands at 6-foot-9 but still has the ability to alter and block a lot of shots. Also, he will be very good in the pick-and-roll. 

His ability to finish around the rim will allow him to jump and catch alley-oops while rolling to the basket. 

Prather is 6-foot-6 wingman. He is a great slasher to the rim displaying soft hands and the ability to find teammates. 

Cody Larson, Scottie Wilbekin, Will Yequete will also be huge contributors. Not to mention, the transfer of Mike Rosario will pay off down the road.

The Gators 2010 recruiting class, mixed with last season's success has solidified them as contenders. I expect them to make a deep run in the tournament this season. 

Though Walker and Boynton will sparkle on their decision-making, the Gators have the chance to make a great run in the tournament next year.

As said correctly, victory is sweetest when you've known defeat. I wish them all the good luck for future!