Florida 85 Ducks 77

Halftime at St. Louis. Been an energetic, if slightly sloppy, affair so far, with the Ducks creating a number of Florida turnovers to score some points (not enough of 'em) while the Gators pounded the offensive boards to grab the half time lead.


The Ducks have been paced by great games so far from Aaron Brooks and Malik Hairston, Tajuan Porter, the hero of the Sweet Sixteen victory against UNLV, has gone scoreless I believe, though he's had some good looks at the basket. The Gators have been able to hit 7 of 12 from the three point range to neutralize the Ducks' defensive efforts inside, where both Horford and Noah have been quiet on that front.


Should be an exciting finish.....



2:40 pm edit:


More of what the Gators did successfully in the first half, especially from Lee Humphrey shooting the threes, were the reason the Florida kept Oregon at arm's length the entire second half, never letting them get closer than four points, though often the Ducks would have a chance to do so.


Some number from the box score that ring out: rebounding 35 to 21 to Florida; 11 of 24 three points shots for Florida to 8 of 22 for the Ducks, including 2 of 10 for Porter, and both of those makes came late as the Ducks continued to battle; 30 to 14 on total fouls called, with the Ducks getting whistled the most, and both Hairston and Leunen fouling out, as did reserve Joevan Catron.


The Ducks get a decent job of keeping the Gator big men off the scoresheet, but too many offensive rebounds were another factor that propelled the defending national champions to the win, and the Ducks couldn't hit the three point shot as often as Florida; in my estimation, those three pointers were contested well, you just have to tip your hat to them for making them (now I know how UNLV felt on Friday).


At the final whistle, the Ducks played well enough to win if they'd converted their chances, but they didn't, which is why Florida is on their way to Atlanta for a rematch from last year's title game with the UCLA Bruins.


Congrats to Florida on a very fine victory....



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