Junior Alex Tyus had 20 points and nine rebounds, freshman Kenny Boynton added 19 points and Florida snapped a three-game losing streak with a 76-60 victory over American University on Monday night in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
Junior Vernon Macklin finished with a career-high 18 points for the Gators (9-3), who won for the first time since Dec. 4.
Florida had been ranked as high as No. 10, but dropped close games against Syracuse, Richmond and South Alabama.
The Gators rebounded against American, an NCAA tournament team in 2009 that is rebuilding after losing several seniors. The Eagles (2-11) made it close by outscoring Florida in the second half and finishing 10-for-24 from the 3-point line.
UF finished with a season-best eight turnovers and scored 22 points off 18 American turnovers. Florida also dominated in the paint, outscoring the Eagles 41-12.
Nick Henden led American with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Vlad Moldoveanu added 14 points and was 4-for-6 from behind the arc.
The Gators return to action on Wednesday night (Dec. 30) when the host Presbyterian at 7:00 p.m.
Photo Gallery: UF Men’s Basketball vs. American, 12/28/09 (click here to view gallery)
DIRECTORY OF GATOR COUNTRY PHOTO GALLERIES