We ended up winning the rebounding 42-37. 23 bench points to their 10, we shot 42% on 3's, 48% overall, 21 assists to their 3!!! That's incredible. Clayton had an off game, shooting 3-13, Chinyelu only played 7 minutes, didn't score and only had 1 rebound, Aberdeen was only 2-10. And yet we won by 19!! Handlogten had 8 rebounds, Condon had 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists (1-5 from the free throw line), Haugh had 17 points, Martin had 14, and Will Richard had 25 points and 6 rebounds. Quality depth and teamwork won this game. I like Todd Golden more & more. He has this team engaged and playing together. He fights for his team and has passion and energy. And I love this team overall.
Three things about this game. First, Ron Slay is an incredibly annoying announcer. Like listening to a dumb drunk at a bar. Second, we have a lot of weapons and we will need them all. Clayton needs to recover and if teams are forced to spend more time on Richards, I think he will. Third, that game was horribly officiated (and I'm not normally one to jump on officials). The below comment illustrates a reason why - TA&M often runs headlong to the basket with little intention of shooting, just looking for a foul - which these clown car refs called every time. Our guys drive and take a controlled shot - getting the same contact as on the other end. No call b/c our guys are not flailing their arms at full speed like the A&M players. I don't think the "ref you suck" cheer comes out that often at the O dome, but it was out all game. And well deserved.
Not a good day for Texas A&M Athletics. Their #4 ranked softball team lost to Texas Tech and their #1 ranked baseball team is losing to Oklahoma State 4-0 in the 8th inning.
Yeah, I don't know what the refs expect us to do when A&M comes running straight into us. Just step aside and let them through?
It was such a boost to get Handlogten back. He's not scoring, but he's not trying to. He's rebounding, blocking shots, altering more shots, getting steals, and firing assists. He laid it out there, a 7'-1" guy diving to the deck to keep the ball in our possession, channeling Patric Young.
With his 25 points, Will Richard (1138) passes Joakim Noah (1133) for most points at #43 in Gator history. With his 10 points, Walter Clayton (1105) passes Gary Keller (1104) for most points at #48 in Gator history.
ESPN/SEC Network has it's new jackass. Ron Slay. He can be a decent TV talker analyst when he wants to be but apparently the TV people are looking for a new jackass to take Vitale's place and Jimmy the Jet just can't cut it. Something I've always wondered about. Why do you all turn on a basketball game? Did you turn it on like me, to watch the game or did you turn it on to watch or hear.... anything else?
Richard - 25 points (9-of-13 FG, 6-of-9 3pt, 1-of-1 FT, 6 Reb, 1 Asst, 2 TO) HaughT - 17 points (7-of-10 FG, 2-of-3 3pt, 1-of-1 FT, 3 Reb, 2 Stl, 1 Blk, 2 Asst, 0 TO) MartinA - 14 points (4-of-10 FG, 4-of-7 3pt, 2-fo-2 FT, 5 Reb, 1 Stl, 2 Asst, 2 TO) Condon - 11 points (5-of-6 FG, 0-of-1 3pt, 1-of-5 FT, 9 Reb, 3 Blk, 1 Stl, 4 Asst, 2 TO) Clayton - 10 points (3-of-13 FG, 2-of-8 3pt, 2-of-2 FT, 2 Reb, 1 Stl, 4 Asst, 3 TO)
Handlogten came around tonight with the fight, much better play and more physical than last year. Condon is coming around nicely. Still off a little off on his shooting. Thomas Haugh played like he has been lately, teams have to account for him. Rueben was so physical and just needs to focus on his position and try not to get the easy fouls, just rebound, block out and score around the basket. We have depth. Congrats to the team for playing tough defense in the first half and it carried over to the second half. Also to the coaches, great game strategy, Taylor who seems to have been playing against us for a decade, LOL, maybe had 1 point in the first half. I think Martin had him mostly and hit three or four threes in the first half. Shout out to him for a great first half. When we were getting ready for the first game, I thought if all these players can mesh we could do some some damage to the league. We are proving it, every night!
I like Ron Slay and he likes this years Gators. Jimmy Dykes speaks with precise phrases on every trip down the court, doesn’t gush about Florida this year as he should, but he is pretty good also. Let’s get Ron vibes to carry us.
I felt going in that Handlogten might have a chance for a strong appearance. In a very physical game, he's the biggest guy on the court, he's 20 pounds heavier and much stronger than last season. He wasn't going to get pushed around and he's just lengthier than their guys. Florida's frontcourt depth was a big part of this win as Tex AM just couldn't maintain that energy forever. Where both Handlogten and Chinyelu get in trouble when stretch threes pull them out of the paint to guard the three point line. They can be beat off the dribble and can't really get in great guarding position outside. Handlogten's a terrific passer out of the post too!
This was a big time win. The narrative of we lost would have been horrible. Needed a confidence boost, got it.
My take? The refs and the commentary were pretty bad. I watched the second half with the sound on mute and listening to music instead. But after that... Nice win!
