Gator Men’s Hoops Beats Savannah State

The Florida men’s basketball team remains unbeaten after beating Savannah State 58-40 in a tough defensive struggle in the O’Connell Center Tuesday night.  Florida is now 4-0 0n the season.

The defensive tone was set by the Gators in the first half when they allowed only four points in the first 16 plus minutes of the first half.   And while the Gator offense struggled against an aggressive Savannah State defense, it did not deter from Florida’s own defensive effort.  

Center Patric Young led Florida with 13 points, 11 rebounds and six blocked shots in one of his better performances.   He was a force low on both ends of the floor.  Gaurd Mike Rosario also had 13 points for the Gators, who shot just 35 percent from the floor but also held Savannah State to just 35 percent shooting as well.  

The difference might have been free throws.   Savannah State attempted only 10 while the Gators went to the line 28 times, scoring eight more points from the charity stripe.

Senior guard Kenny Boynton only had five points after leaving the game with an apparent ankle injury but Gator coach Billy Donovan believes he will play Friday when Florida hosts UCF and former Gator assistant coach Donnie Jones.

Senior guard Kenny Boynton injured his ankle and did not return to the game