It was all Gators in Orlando, as the Florida Gators basketball team propelled its way into the Sweet 16 with its huge 65-39 win over the Virginia Cavaliers.
It was supposed to be a low scoring squad between these struggling offenses and efficient defenses and for the most it was all Florida on the offensive end. The Cavaliers only had 17 points in the first half which is the lowest it has been held to all season. For the Gators it was Devin Robinson and Justin Leon who helped the Gators first half. KeVaughn Allen remained cold for the time being. Florida concerted on a last second bucket before the half to extended the lead to 31-17.
The second half was an offensive explosion for Mike White and the Gators, one that the team desperately needed. In the first three minutes of the half, Florida stretched it’s lead to 23 points which blew the roof of the gym and the Gators finally seemingly have hit stride at the right time. Virginia was blanked in the second half by the suffocating Gator defenses. With the stellar play of Devin Robinson (14pts) and Justin Leon(14pts), the Gators propelled to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2014. The Gators shot 23-50 and 8-21 from beyond the arc. The Cavaliers shot 16-52 from the field and 1-15 from three.
The Gators will travel to New York City to face the Wisconsin Badgers in a huge matchup.