Gator Country

Erik Murphy contributed eight points and three rebounds off the bench to help Florida beat Rutgers /Gator Country Photo by Tim Casey

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ --- The new look Florida Gators, who have made defense their trademark through the early part of their schedule, turned in another outstanding effort Saturday evening, holding Rutgers to 41.1 percent from the field and 18.8 percent from the three-point line as they ran their record to 6-0 with a 73-58 win over the Scarlet Knights to win the Legends Classic Championship.

The Gators turned in their best shooting game of the year, hitting 52.5 percent (32-61) from the field and 36.8 percent (7-19) on three-pointers. Kenny Boynton (19 points, 3-9 on threes) and Erving Walker (11 points, 3-6 on threes) came into the game hitting a combined 10-61 on three-pointers. Vern Macklin hit 7-9 from the field for 14 points to go with eight rebounds.

The Gators got another all-around game from Dan Werner, who only scored four points but grabbed seven rebounds, handed out six assists and came up with three steals. The Gators got a combined 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, one blocked shot and three steals from Erik Murphy, Chandler Parsons and Ray Shipman off the bench.

The Gators jumped out to a seven point lead early in the first half and settled for a 34-29 lead at the half. The Gators broke the game open in the second half with a 15-4 run midway through the second half when they expanded their lead from 50-42 to 65-46. The Gators got two dunks and a tip-in from Macklin plus a three-ball and a jumper from Boynton to spark the run. 

For the season, the Gators have held six opponents to a combined 18-99 from the three-point line (18.1 percent).

The Gators outrebounded Rutgers, 35-32.

The win capped a successful road trip for the Gators, who knocked off #2 Michigan State Friday night in the semifinals. The Gators are likely to make an appearance in the top 25 on Monday after their unexpectedly good start. The Gators return home to take on Florida A&M on Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. as part of a double-header with the UF women’s team.

UF SID contributed to this report. 

More Basketball | RSS