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The Gators had their best performance of the season to extend its winning streak to 12 games.
The No. 7 Florida Gators (12-0) defeated the North Florida Ospreys (7-6) 99-45 Saturday afternoon at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
Inside the Gators’ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: The buzzer rang to conclude the first half. By the end of the first 20 minutes, Florida held a 54-17 lead. There were several metrics you could use to measure the Gators’ dominance. Florida scored 20 field goals and allowed just five. UF held the Ospreys to three made three-pointers, an area where UNF has thrived, leading the nation in made threes. And possibly the most jarring metric showing Florida’s dominance was their time spent leading. UF led for all 20 minutes in the first half and never trailed in the entire game.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Florida senior guard Will Richard built off his impressive performance against North Carolina and had a career-high performance. Richard logged 26 points, five rebounds and two assists. Over his last three games, the senior guard is averaging 21 points per game.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: A large reason why Florida was able to control the time spent leading and prevent the Ospreys from gaining any offensive momentum was its ability to dominate the glass.
The Gators outrebounded UNF 65-25. Florida forwards Thomas Haugh and Sam Alexis both logged double-doubles. Alexis had 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Haugh recorded 10 points and 11 rebounds.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: North Florida was without their freshman phenome Josh Harris, who’s averaging 16.4 points per game. Harris has been one of the largest contributors to UNF’s dominance beyond the arc and shoots 53.8% from three.
The Osprey’s ability to score from three, or lack of, was evident Saturday afternoon. UNF shot 24% from three and landed just eight the entire contest. The Ospreys led the nation in three-point makes and attempts per game heading into the game.
WHAT A PLAY: There were loads of highlights throughout the contest. However, none stood out more than Richard’s dunk in the first half.
Florida guard Alijah Martin corralled a rebound, and baseball-passed a full court heave to Richard, who slammed it with one-hand on the other end.
UP NEXT: The No. 7 Florida Gators (12-0) host the Stetson Hatters (1-10) Dec. 29 at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m.
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