The #7 Florida Gators (5-0) simply overpowered UCF (3-2) in a 79-66 victory over the Knights at the O’Connell Center in Gainesville on Friday afternoon.
While the Knights outshot in the Gators percentage wise across the boards, 46.5% FG (22-47) and 55% 3FG (11-20) compared to 42.6% (29-68) and 30.3% (10-30) respectively, rebounding was the deciding factor at the end of the day. The Gators were able to take 31 more shots than the Knights thanks to out rebounding UCF 41-27, with 19 offensive rebounds and a +10 turnover margin.
Kenny Boynton led the Gators with 24 points and 8 rebounds while Scottie Wilbekin contributed a career best 17 points off the bench, both players shot 4-9 from behind the arc.
The depth of the Gators team compared the Knights was also staggering. The Gators scored 28 bench points compared to 0 points from the UCF bench, that’s right, ZERO points from the UCF bench.
Kasey Wilson had a career night for UCF scoring 20 points and shooting 5-6 from long range. He put up 15 in the second half and helped make it a ‘close’ game for a few exciting minutes when UCF went on an 11-0 run to open up the second half.
On the bright side, UCF scored more points than any other team against the Gators this season. #22 Wisconsin had previously held the mark with 56, as the Gators defense has only allowed the Badgers and the Knights to score above 50. For all UCF fans out there, it has always been about the bright side anyways, right?
UCF jumped out to a 5-0 lead against the Gators as Florida shot 0-9 in the opening minutes. Some questionable calls, turnovers and offensive rebounding gave the Gators plenty of opportunities to zero in their shooting and take control of the game however.
The game started with both teams playing at a lightning fast pace, something that heavily favors the Gators speed and depth. The Knights managed to hang for a short while, seeming to even set the pace, but it was not long before the Gators found their rhythm and started to pour it on. Wilbekin was the hot hand early and led the Gators into half with a 42-24 point advantage.
The 11-0 run from the Knights to open the second half brought the score to a competitive 35-42 thanks to clutch 3’s from Tristian Spurlock and Wilson.
Spurlock had 14 points and 4 assists.
Isaiah Sykes teased a double-double with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. He continues to deliver in his difficult role as point guard by default. Coach Donnie Jones cannot say enough how well Sykes has handled his impromptu transition from forward to point guard.
After finishing their busy week, the Knights have eight days to rest and prepare for Florida Tech on December 1st.
