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Gators head coach Todd Golden has a unique term for Florida’s ability to go on runs.
He calls it “spurt-ability.”
“I think we’ve had double digit runs in every single one of our games up to this point,” Golden said after Florida’s win against Virginia Dec. 4. “I think it speaks to the efficiency of the way we play offense and the way we’ve been better on the defensive end.”
Florida’s spurt-ability showed in the Jumpman Invitational against North Carolina Tuesday night. The Gators quickly took over on the offensive end, nailing five threes in the first eight minutes, and despite a late run by the Tar Heels in the second half, No. 7 Florida (11-0) closed out the contest on a 8-0 run to defeat North Carolina (6-5) 90-84 Tuesday night at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Inside the Gators’ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Trailing 86-84, UNC guard RJ Davis missed a three-point attempt with 44 ticks remaining.
Florida sophomore forward Thomas Haugh secured the rebound and passed it to senior Alijah Martin, who instantly pulled up from three.
The shot didn’t land, but Haugh snagged the offensive board and forced UNC to foul as the shot clock expired.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Florida senior guard Will Richard started the contest three of four from beyond the arc and helped the Gators get off to an early lead.
Richard was consistent from the perimeter, landing three of four shots and finished the contest with 22 total points. Additionally, Richard recorded two seals and logged six rebounds, many of which came at important moments down the stretch.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: Improving to 11-0, Florida’s current win streak ties the best to begin a season since 2005-06, when it won its first national championship. The Gators will have the opportunity to extend its win streak to 12 games against UNF Saturday, which would be the best start in program history.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: Tar Heels guard RJ Davis is the fifth-highest scorer in UNC program history and showed why Tuesday night.
Davis hit nearly everything he put up — acrobatic shots, deep threes and step-back midranges.
The North Carolina guard finished the contest with 29 points, the most Florida has surrendered to a single player in a game this season.
WHAT A PLAY: Martin is recognized for his defense, leadership and overall effort. What often goes unrecognized from the guard is his ability to create points.
Early in the first half, with Florida up 25-12, Martin cross-dribbled on the left wing. As he continued to dribble, Martin made a move to the basket, pushing off a UNC defender, then quickly stepped back.
Almost instantaneously, Martin cocked back his shot and landed his first triple of the game.
UP NEXT: The Florida Gators (11-0) host the North Florida Owls (7-4) at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center Saturday. Tipoff is set for noon.
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