Bouncing back from an ugly opening game to the season the Gators looked much better in game number two knocking off Boston College by a score of 90-70. Florida came out from the opening tip with noticeable intensity taking an early lead and never resenting. After stretching the lead to double digits before the 10 minute mark of the first half the Eagles were never able to string together any runs that threatened Florida’s lead and the Gators were able to coast to a comfortable victory. The Gators now have a couple days to rest and recover before a game with Stetson, who have a loss to a D-II opponent on their resume already in this young season.
Back To Form
Keyontae Johnson wasn’t his normal self in Florida’s opening game against Army, struggling to find his rhythm which was made more difficult by the fact he was often getting sent to the bench with foul trouble. Fortunately, against Boston College he came alive and played like the player everyone expected finishing with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Mike White was making a concerted effort to get him one on one opportunities and he made the most of them using his explosive first step to get to the rim and finish. Johnson was one of the most consistent performers in college basketball last season so it makes sense he was quick to bounce back after a rocky first game.
Mann Stays Hot
The reason Florida was able to jump out to an early lead was due to the electric scoring ability of sophomore Tre Mann who was getting everything he wanted offensively finishing with 17 points and 6 assists. Stringing together dribble moves and freezing defenders with hesitations and changes of direction he was getting free every time he touched the ball which led to easy points for him and the teammates he dumped the ball off to for open shots. Mann has put together two excellent performances to start the season and that is exactly what the Gators need. It’s a guard’s world in modern basketball and it looks like the Gators have a ball handler that can lead the way.
Second Scoring
While it was Keyontae Johnson and Tre Mann leading the way offensively what made the Gators’ offense click Thursday was the production they were getting from their secondary scoring options. Noah Locke (12 points), Scottie Lewis (14 points), and Omar Payne (10 points) were all contributors on the offensive end and the points mixed throughout the lineup made the Gators tough to guard. Perhaps the most impressive individual showing of the three was Noah Locke who showed an ability to drive the basketball that he hadn’t before demonstrated at Florida. Known primarily as a shooter he often looked allergic to taking the ball inside in his first two years but now as a junior he has a much more comfortable handle which is opening up his offensive game to a whole new world. If the Gators get scoring that’s spread around their lineup there are going to be a lot of games like this where they pile on points.
Final Thoughts
After a difficult opening game to watch on Wednesday this win over Boston College was just what the doctor ordered, a comfortable win where they got a lead and never relinquished it, even for one potentially stressful moment. However, that doesn’t mean Florida’s performance was without it’s faults. Their defense was still suspect at times with players like Scottie Lewis and Noah Locke gambling and getting out of position and they turned the ball over 17 times on offense, something that didn’t sting them as much as it could have since they were able to score so efficiently when they were able to put a shot up. While there are still plenty of things to work on, this was an encouraging showing from the Gators that showed just how potent they can be offensively.