The emergence of Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee is a much-needed dynamic in the Gators’ system. Lee has averaged 16.8 points and 5.8 rebounds in his last four games. Photo courtesy of Florida Athletics.
SUNRISE, Fla. – The Orange Bowl Classic’s home is Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla., which is the home of the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions Florida Panthers. The Florida Gators took an 80-70 win over Atlantic 10 contender George Washington on Saturday behind a Panther-esque approach of guard Xavian Lee, who led all scorers with 24 points.
“As I told the guys, we’re never going to be disappointed with a 10-point victory,” said Florida coach Todd Golden. “I do think we have a lot that we need to continue to improve upon, a lot in the areas that we say doesn’t require much talent.”
Lee prowled the hardwood for 35 minutes, where he made 6-of-11 shots, four threes, and made 8-of-10 free throws. Over the last four games, Lee averages 16.8 points with 5.8 rebounds and has an assist-to-turnover ratio of 14-to-6.
The Princeton transfer set the tone with eight points in the first 6:41 where his outside game gave Florida a 14-6 lead.
“It’s easier when you’re playing in rhythm to have a little more juice to you,” said Lee. “I’ve been trying, honestly, when I haven’t got going, to still try and have a presence or aura about me and track that with my teammates with the energy I have. When the ball is going in, it’s a lot easier to be that way – Florida Gators guard Xavian Lee.
Lee controlled the game with his passing and shooting, as he confidently knew when the opportunities for each materialized. He made a three-pointer and made 3-of-4 free throws for an immediate 18-5 run out of halftime. He was also able to get shooter Boogie Fland involved with his first basket on a layup when Lee led a fast break after a turnover.
Fland finished with 12 points, all in the second half.
Haugh About That: Editorially, I have said it 200 times over the Gators’ first ten games. Swingman Thomas Haugh is one of the three or four toughest matchups in college basketball. His dynamics with a basketball and his game acumen make him that tough of a cover.
Haugh finished with 19 points and seven rebounds while making 8-of-16 shots. He contributed six points and his defensive ability inside as Florida took a 54-34 lead with 12:20 to play.
“What’s been the main thing for us is when we’ve guarded well, everything opens up for us,” Golden explained. “I think that’s what happened at the beginning of the second half. I thought we did a really good job creating turnovers and forcing tough shots around the rim that led to transition.”
A Revolutionary Attack: George Washington is 8-4 and was a pre-season fourth or fifth pick to win the A-10. Consistent offense has been a major point for the Revolutionaries as they average 86 ppg., while shooting 48.4 percent from the floor.
The Florida defense held the Revolutionaries to 42 percent, and the Gators scored 15 points off of 12 GW turnovers. Guard Trey Autry led with 15 points, and Florida held leading scorer Rafael Castro to 12 points as he made six of nine shots.
KenPom.com rates the A-10 at No. 7 analytically, and George Washington is No. 81. All 10 of Florida’s opponents have been in KenPom’s Top 100.
Straightening the Swamp: The Gators rose to No. 13 in the kenpom.com ratings, which are the deepest and most analytical statistical evidence inside the game. Keep in mind the four losses are to Arizona, Duke, TCU, and UConn by a combined total of 15 points.
As of now, the Gators are still a feared and dreaded reptilian presence, but closing games and being able to create a deeper rotation are two of the foremost features in allowing them to once again play at a higher level in the tough SEC.
The Gators average 14 turnovers per game and currently shoot 26.8 percent from three.
“I reminded the guys in the locker room after (the 77-73 loss to UConn) that for us to be the best we can be, we need to be more consistent with our level of physicality and competitiveness over 40 minutes.”
Although Florida led 54-34 mid-way through the second half on Saturday, George Washington was still able to cut the game back to 61-55 with 2:33 to play.
“We still have a really high floor and ceiling because we’re capable of being a very good defensive team,” said Golden. “We’re capable of being physically imposing on the glass, and we should be a better ball-handling team than what we’ve shown to this point.”