Following a disappointing weekend at the PK85 in Portland the Gators were able to have a successful get back game taking down the Florida A&M Rattlers 102-62. The Rattlers, who came into Wednesday night’s game ranked as the 359th best team in the country by KenPom, looked overmatched from the tip as the Gators coasted to an early lead that only grew and grew as the game went on. At times it can be difficult for a team to get up for a game like this, particularly after a big disappointment at a large event like the PK85, but the Gators didn’t lack for energy whatsoever and attacked this game with ferocity.
New Starters
Following three games in four days in Portland the Gators held out Kyle Lofton and Will Richard to nurse some injuries which allowed for the Gators to trot out a new starting lineup. For Lofton it was back spasms and for Richard it was a bruised knee, nothing that is considered serious for either player. Starting in place of these two was Riley Kugel, getting his first ever college start, and Kowacie Reeves who was back in action after functionally not being used at all in Portland. Reeves came out on fire with a couple of quick dunks and three pointers on his way to finishing with 17 points, while Kugel had 6 points. Reeves began the season as a starter before falling out of favor with the coaching staff for whatever reason and the performance he just showed might give him a case to get back in that starting unit.
Leading The Way
VMI transfer Trey Bonham was unstoppable in this one with 23 points and 4 assists, numbers that could have been much, much higher if the Gators didn’t rest him for much of the second half. Most impressive about his night was his jump shot as he went 7-7 from behind the arc providing the shooting that this team has been in need of. Whether it was off the bounce, off the catch, or in transition it didn’t matter–his shot was going to fall. Bonham’s ability to create and make a shot is arguably the best on the team and he’s instant offense whenever he gets the basketball. It looks like his starting spot on this team is pretty well locked in.
Everybody Eats
With the game getting out of hand quickly the Gators were able to get everyone on the floor and not just for the final minutes–many bench players were out for extended stretches. Not only were they on the floor, but they were able to make plays and get some touches they might not normally get. Myreon Jones was finally able to get some offense going after a rough start to the season with 10 points and Niels Lane who has hardly been seen this season provided outstanding defense and chipped in 8 points. Alex Fudge was also able to take advantage of some more minutes with a monster second half, finishing the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Final Thoughts
Playing against a team that is, with all due respect, one of the worst in D1 basketball it’s hard to know exactly what to take away from this game for the Gators but they came out with focus and energy and that’s what you like to see. Seeing Kowacie Reeves back in the mix knocking down shots and throwing down angry dunks was a sight for sore eyes, as was Myreon Jones’ shot finally falling and Niels Lane showing why he should probably get more minutes than he’s currently seeing. The Gators will now prepare for a game with Stetson on Sunday.