Gators claim big win, but still have more to prove
The O’Connell Center was back to its old self and Florida big man Colin Castleton was the player he’s been all season as Todd Golden picked up the signature victory he and his Gators needed.
Golden waved his arms and rooted on the raucous crowd during the final 30 seconds, his team up 10 and en route to a stunning 67-54 win Wednesday night against No. 2 Tennessee.
“It was just an awesome night for our program and for our guys,” Golden said. “I’m happy they get to enjoy this one.”
The Gators (13-9, 5-3 SEC) now push to build on the stunning upset and bolster their NCAA Tournament resume. Saturday’s visit to Kentucky (15-7, 6-3) and Tuesday’s trip to Tuscaloosa to face No. 4 Alabama (19-3, 9-0) continue a fourgame gauntlet that began with 64-50 loss last weekend at Kansas State.
Florida’s season-low points total featured just 16 during the first half, this after the Gators scored only 12 points in the opening 20 minutes of a 54-52 loss Jan. 18 at Texas A&M.
But against Tennessee Golden’s squad avoid another slow start or more late-game heartbreak, including four losses by 3 points or fewer — three of those defeats in the SEC.
As an O’Dome crowd of 10,160 and a national TV audience looked on, Florida set the tone by storming to a 17-4 lead — one more point than the first half of a one-sided loss at then-No. 5 Kansas State.
“That was a huge emphasis to come out,” Golden said. “First of all, we had the belief we could beat them. That was the most important thing.”
Coach Rick Barnes knew the Vols (18-4, 7-2) were in for a long night.
“We gave them a chance to start believing in what they’re doing and they took it,” he said.
The Gators began to waver and led just 22-21 before extending their advantage to 27-21 at halftime. Tennessee started to find its range early in the second half, taking a 39-36 lead on consecutive 3-pointers by guard Zakai Zeigler, who led his team with 15 points. The Vols soon led 44-38 and appeared in control.
Instead, the Gators responded. Trailing 46-42, Florida went on a 13-0 run, beginning and ending with 3s by Myreon Jones and Kyle Lofton.
“Just the grit that our guys showed to be able to bounce back from that, that was fantastic,” Golden said.
Golden’s message to his team?
“Stay the course,” he recalled. “That was a great moment for us because in the past we haven’t been able to finish at a level like that.”
From there, Castleton took over, scoring 11 of his team’s 14 points during the most pivotal juncture. The 6-foot-11 DeLand native finished with 20 points and 9 rebounds, one board shy of his third double-double in six games.
Florida’s defense, though, might have been the key. Tennessee finished shooting 27.9%, including 5 of 25 (20%) from 3-point range. The Gators also held a 10-0 edge in fast-break scoring, especially impressive given their struggles with transition defense early in the season.
Asked where the win ranked during his three years at Florida, Castleton said, “One.”
Following the emotional, emboldening win, Castleton and the Gators planned to remain grounded while also enjoying the moment.
“We’re going to celebrate this one,” he said. “We have a quick turnaround, but this was a good win. You always got to celebrate your wins, but you got to celebrate quickly.”
Golden was not going to let the chance pass himself.
Given the Gators’ ups and downs under their 37-yearold coach, Golden’s players enjoyed seeing him let loose.
“Him being a new coach you want to play for him,” said Lofton, a fifth-year transfer point guard. “Let people know he’s the right one. He’s the right guy. Seeing a smile on his face, we’re happy for him.”