Murphy helps Florida easily handle Wisconsin
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — No. 22 Wisconsin isn’t built to overcome big deficits.
So when the Badgers fell behind by 19 points early in the second half at No. 10 Florida Wednesday night, the game was essentially over.
Sam Dekker and Jared Berggren scored 11 points apiece for Wisconsin, but it wasn’t enough in a 74- 56 loss to the Gators.
“Sometimes you’re built with more experience, slashers, more speed at certain positions,” Wisconsin coach and Chester product Bo Ryan said. “There wasn’t an advantage we had.”
The Badgers tried to keep up with Florida inside and out, but failed at both.
The biggest problem was containing Erik Murphy. The 6- foot- 10 forward tied a career high with 24 points. He made all 10 of his shots, including several in the post and just two from 3- point range, as the short- handed Gators enjoyed a double- digit lead most of the night. He also had seven rebounds.
Murphy became just the fourth player in school history and 18th in Southeastern Conference history to take at least 10 shots in a game and make them all.
“Mr. Versatility is what you should call him,” teammate Pat Young said. “He knocked down 3s. He knocked down pull- ups. He was in the post. He was making moves. He was getting offensive rebounds and putting them back up. That was just really cool just seeing him play the way.
“I know he’s been able to play like that for a long time. It’s just been a matter of time for him to get the opportunity to actually do it, and I’m really proud of him.”
Mike Rosario added 15 points, four rebounds and four assists for Florida ( 2- 0), and Kenny Boynton chipped in 10 points.
Playing without point guard Scottie Wilbekin ( suspension) and forward Casey Prather ( concussion), the Gators essentially won the game with fast starts in both halves. Florida scored the first nine points of the game and the first seven after intermission.