GAINESVILLE -- On ’90s night, Florida needed an old-school effort to continue its march toward the NCAA Tournament.
The Gators (16-8) equaled last season’s win total with a nail-bitting 77-72 win over the Ole Miss Rebels on Tuesday, overcoming a sloppy offensive performance with a gritty defensive effort and some timely shots late.
With 1:19 remaining and the shot-clock winding down, enigmatic guard Kasey Hill hit a circus shot off the glass to give UF a three-point lead. After another key defensive stop, freshman guard KeVaughn Allen delivered the dagger with a deep 3 on the very next possession.
“What a big play that was,” Florida coach Mike White said, who moved to 2-0 against his alma mater this season.
“What a huge play. We were stifled. Searching. Kasey came up with big play.”
The Gators had five players score in double figures, with senior forward Dorian Finney-Smith carrying load (16 points, 6 rebounds) once again. Allen finished with 15 points and Hill had 10, while UF center John Egbunu chipped in a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds).
Hill had another poor shooting night (just 2 of 7), but the junior tallied a team-high six assists and locked down the SEC’s leading scorer, holding Stefan Moody to 19 points on 11 shots. Hill harassed Moody all game, recording three steals and forcing Ole Miss’ senior guard into eight turnovers.
Moody, who had scored at least 21 points in every conference game entering the night, never found his rhythm and was plagued by foul trouble throughout. He eventually fouled out on a charge with 1.09 remaining.
Meanwhile, Florida struggled mightily against Ole Miss' zone, getting outscored 28-14 off turnovers and consistently settling for poor shots. However, the Gators played with a persistent energy and tenacity on the defensive end, oftentimes spirited by an unlikely contributor.
Sophomore forward Devin Robinson, not known for his defense, delivered a fantastic effort, drawing the offensive foul on Moody to seal the victory.
Robinson had 15 points on 5 of 7 shooting, adding a career-high three charges. The 6-7 forward drilled a pair of 3s in the second half and spurred Florida’s 7-0 to end the first half with a pair of hustle plays (shot-block leading to a transition 3, drawing a charge).
“I thought this was the best game of his career,” White said.
“It’s the best day that Devin’s had since I’ve coached him.”
With the win, the Gators moved to 13-1 at home and host Arkansas on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Follow me on Twitter @JesseReSimonton
Comments