Florida Gators basketball rebounds to beat Miami


The Florida Gators (6-1) defeated the Miami Hurricanes (4-2) 65-56 to earn third place in the AdvoCare Invitational, behind Gonzaga and Iowa State.
The Gators came out with little intensity to start the game. Both teams were playing their third game in the last four days. Florida overcame a 13-5 deficit early in the first half to finish the half with a 34-30 lead over Miami. After a decent half of offense, the Gators came out lost on offense to start the second half.
Miami went on a 9-0 run in the first five minutes of the half and the Gators were showing no signs of life. Finally, with 14:34 to go in the game, two made free-throws from Keith Stone gave Florida its first points of the second half and cut Miami’s lead to three points. The Gators were 0-for-10 from the field in the first 7:13 of the half. Kasey Hill ended the drought with a steal and a layup and Keith Stone followed behind with another Florida score to tie the game.
The Gators took a 45-43 lead with 9:41 left to play and never gave up that lead. Stone, Hill, and John Egbunu led Florida to an offensive and defensive rhythm the rest of the way. Stone had the best game of his young career, with 15 points and eight rebounds on the night. He provided a Canyon Barry-like boost off the bench on offense, on a night that Barry did not score a single point. Hill led the Gators with 16 points and three assists. For the third straight game, Egbunu was a defensive force with four blocks for Florida.
Coming Up Next:
Florida has a short break before heading to Jacksonville to take on North Florida in its first true road game of the season. The game will be played on December 1 at 7 p.m. (ET).

Bailiegh Carlton
A lifelong sports fan, Bailiegh Carlton knew from a young age that she wanted to work in sports in some capacity. Before transferring to the University of Florida to study journalism, she played softball at Gulf Coast State College. She then interned for Gator Country for three years as she worked toward her degree. After graduation, Bailiegh decided to explore other opportunities in the world of sports, but all roads led her right back here. In her time away, she and her husband welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. When she isn't working, she can almost always be found snuggled up with sweet baby Ridley, Cody and her four fur babies.