In a barnburner of a basketball game that featured extremely physicality, elite shot making, and a constant parade to the foul line the Gators ultimately were left standing with a gutsy 85-80 win over #11 ranked West Virginia. The Mountaineers gave the Gators everything they had with big three after big three from guard Sean McNeil (21 points) and dominant inside play from Derek Culver (28 points, 12 rebounds) but Florida rolled with every punch and ultimately withstood every blow. This was an exciting game that featured just about everything you’re going to ever see on a basketball court (including a bizarre technical foul to the Gators for not listing Jason Jitoboh on the official roster) and Florida will get a huge emotional boost from being the team on top.
Toe To Toe
West Virginia center Derek Culver was definitely the most dominant player in the game using his tremendous muscle, size, and touch to dominate on the inside. While he definitely got his, Florida center Colin Castleton was able to match him for much of the contest finishing with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 blocks. What made Castleton’s offensive performance so special was that he was also able to draw a few fouls on Culver which sent him to the bench and allowed the Gators to get a lead, one that they eventually held. Castleton is as consistent a player as the Gators have and they must be elated to get consistent production on both ends from their center.
Battling On The Glass
If there is one thing the Mountaineers have been known for this season it’s their work on the glass where they are one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the country. They were able to grab 14 offensive rebounds but generally speaking the Gators handled their business quite well on the glass and were also able to come away with 10 offensive rebounds on their own. One of the big reasons they were successful on the glass was 18 rebounds from the guard quartet of Tre Mann, Noah Locke, Tyree Appleby, and Scottie Lewis. Florida likely went into this game knowing they were all going to need to rebound if they were going to keep from getting hammered on the glass by West Virginia and the guards and wings really contributed.
Shot Making Extravaganza
As a team the Gators hit 8-17 threes (47%), yet another fantastic shooting game in a season where they have been excellent from behind the arc. Noah Locke led the way going 4-7 and each of his threes were due to the Gators either running hard in transition or executing a set in the halfcourt, something that will make Florida’s coaching staff extremely happy. Tre Mann was also lethal going 3-6, with his three makes coming off the dribble. These are two of the best shot makers in the country and what makes them such an interesting duo is that they both do it in different ways. Locke is a much better shooter off the catch, whereas Mann loves to shoot off the dribble. It’s a fantastic combination for the Gators and when they are both on they’re going to win a lot of games.
Final Thoughts
This was a tremendous win for the Gators as they combined execution with pure grit and emotion. West Virginia is as physical a team the Gators will play this season and they were up to the challenge, but their pure skill and execution shined as well. When Florida can combine their talent with energy and tenacity they look like a lethal team and if they can continue to put these things together they can do serious damage.