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Florida coach Todd Golden, along with Sam Alexis and Walter Clayton Jr. addressed the media after the No. 20 Gators defeated Florida State 87-74.
TODD GOLDEN
On handling FSU’s pressure
“Honestly, I thought we handled the press well. I thought it was more the half-court pressure that we had issues with. We did a good job staying organized. I think we only had one or two turnovers in regards to them trying to keep us from getting the ball inbounds. But we had lapses. I thought early in the game, we struggled, which can happen, especially the first time you play a team like Florida State with their athleticism, their length, their quickness. Middle of the first half, I thought we were really, really good. We got up 18 points, and a big part of that was just taking care of the basketball. We had eight turnovers at halftime; we had 11 in the second half. If the end of that game had gone differently, that would’ve been the issue. That would’ve been what we pointed at and said, ‘This is what cost us the game.’ We had some guys step up and make some big shots late, kind of saved us. Obviously, we have to do a much better job taking care of the ball, especially as we will see more teams that guard like this when we get into SEC play.”
On winning the rebounding battle
“That was the offset for us. We lost the turnover battle by 11, but we won the boards by 18. Sometimes, it’s as simple as that. We shot 52 [percent] from the field, but they won the shot battle. They got nine more attempts than we did and four more free throws than we did. That’s usually a losing proposition, but the glass is what saved us tonight.”
SAM ALEXIS
On getting a big road win
“I feel like this was growth for us as a team. We haven’t played away against a different crowd yet, so I feel like this was a great win for our future when it’s SEC time.”
On making contributions off the bench
“It feels great. It’s my home state, the Gators, so it’s always a pleasure to be here and playing in front of FSU. I didn’t play in Florida my whole two years in Chattanooga, so it’s great to be here.”
WALTER CLAYTON JR.
On how much trash he’s going to talk to the Florida State fans in his family
“A lot. We ain’t family tonight, but once 12 a.m. hits, then we’ll be back to being family, and I’m gonna let them know.”
On handling FSU’s pressure
“We can definitely do a better job. Some things we did, it was our fault – tough passes, trying to complete those. We’ve got to clean those up, and we’ll be all right.”
On making seven first-half 3-pointers
“It felt good. Our bigs are such threats to score in the paint, so whenever they try to collapse on them and they’re kicking it out, that’s when guards are hitting shots, which is good for us.”
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