By Kenneth Cross
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The new-look Florida Gators have a penchant for athleticism and the ability to score as coach Todd Golden and his staff open their second season at UF.
The athleticism and the input on the defensive end of the floor was an early topic in Friday night’s 89-68 win over Florida State in ExacTech Arena.
Florida held the Seminoles to 36 percent from the field and out-rebounded FSU, 48-33, to push their record to 3-1. Walter Clayton, Jr., led four Gators in double figures with 19 points.
This new-found length and athleticism was a huge deal on Friday as it will be throughout the season for Gators’ opponents.
“Definitely, the first half is the best so far,” analyzed Golden. “I think it was an incredibly high level of basketball we played.”
The Gators took a 21-5 lead eight minutes into the game as Clayton took control of the game quickly while Riley Kugel nailed back-to-back threes with Tyrese Samuel controlling the inside.
“We played super unselfishly, thought we had a great pace, thought we got up the floor quickly and took advantage of that,” explained Golden.
The Gators stretched the lead to 52-22 at halftime as they made 18-of-28 field goals in the first half. Tyrese Samuel had a dunk and a layup on an 8-0 run just before the half and Kugel and Condon were able to get to the line late with their offensive attacks inside.
“That’s kind of what I pride myself on is being competitive,” explained Golden. “And I want our guys to embody that as well and I think we have guys who are that way.”
UC Riverside transfer Zyon Pullin played in his first game as he netted 15 points and five boards and his athletic ability in the paint allowed him to consistently get to the free throw line.
Pullin’s had a solid evening as he added depth to the Florida backcourt with Clayton, Kugel, and Will Richard, who could all start and give monumental minutes.
“Today was definitely a big game to come back to,” said Pullin. “A lot of fun. A lot of energy from the crowd. We just fed off it and it was just a whole bunch of fun out there.”
Clayton, who transferred from Iona, controlled the game on the point as he went 8-for-15 with 19 points and five assists in 28 minutes. He was excited to have Pullin with him in the backcourt.
“Playing out there with a point guard, I could kind of be off the ball,” explained Richards. “I had a couple of great passes to him. He had great passes.”