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The Gators (4-0) looked to continue their undefeated streak against the Florida A&M Rattlers (0-3). Todd Golden and his Gators have beaten every team they have faced by double digits and have the opportunity to continue that streak. The Rattlers have lost all three games by very large margins and look to see some improvement.
Florida dominated on both sides of the ball tonight. The defense was effective and the shots were efficient. Florida never lost the lead and maintained a 20+ point lead for the majority of the game.
The Gators won by double digits again after a dominant performance. The final score was 84-60 and the Gators kept their undefeated and double digit win streak alive.
Inside the Gators’ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: The Gators went on a 19-2 run beginning with 5:06 left in the first half. With efficient defense and effective three-point shooting, the Gators built up a 24-point lead to end the first half. The Rattlers finally scored with 42 seconds left, but the Gators answered right back with a three from Isaiah Brown which killed any momentum the Rattlers had. This deficit was too much for the Rattlers to come back from in the second half.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard were making it rain from downtown. The pair alternated in making three-point shots on four straight offensive possessions in the middle of the first half; giving the Gators an 11-point lead. They were the first two players to reach double digits in points scored and both of them put in a great shift on the defensive side of the ball. They conducted the flow of this game the entire time and will be a duo to look out for this season.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: The Gators made 7 of their last 9 FGs in the first half. Isaiah Brown, the freshman, went 2-of-2, 6 points. His first points as a Gator. Will Richard and Walter Clayton Jr. combined for 37 points, which is more than half of FAMU’s total score. The Gators got 20 points off of 15 turnovers. The Gators finished the game with a FG percentage of 41% and out-rebounded the Rattlers 47-36.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: The big men for both teams were a great battle to watch. Rueben Chinyelu (FLA) and Ja’Derryous Eatmon (FAM) were going rebound-for-rebound on both sides of the court. Chinyelu’s rebounds were more effective as Florida capitalized on his offensive rebounds and found some points from extending the possession. It was a physical and gritty battle from both players and Eatmon was one of the few highlights of this FAMU team.
WHAT A PLAY: Urban Klavzar in his home debut delivered a beautiful bounce in between two Rattlers to find Will Richard on the fast break. Richard leaped and delivered a two-hand slam. A perfect pass is matched with a perfect dunk and the Gators got rolling shortly after that. Richard also had a beautiful reverse lay-up
UP NEXT: Florida (5-0) takes on Southern Illinois (2-2) on Friday. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. in the O’Connell Center.
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