Florida basketball seeks 10th non-conference win against Quinnipiac

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Florida basketball will look to cap non-conference play on a positive note when it hosts Quinnipiac on Saturday at the O’Connell Center (1 p.m., ESPNU).

The Florida Gators (9-3) are looking to finish non-conference play with 10 wins for just the third time since the 2013-14 season.

Florida has won early in the season with balance, with four of its five starters averaging in double figures in scoring, led by guard Walter Clayton Jr., who is averaging 15.9 points per game. Starting forward Tyrese Samuel (14.9 ppg, 8.8 rebounds per game) has posted five double-doubles on the season and is 10 points shy of reaching 1,000 points for his career.

A win could continue to enhance UF’s NCAA Tournament resume. The Gators entered the week ranked 46th in the NET, which determines both NCAA Tournament eligibility and seeding.

“I do believe our best basketball is in front of us with this group,” Florida basketball coach Todd Golden said. “That’s the carrot that we’re dangling, and the hope is that we can reach that high level as we get into SEC play.”

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Quinnipiac (9-3, 1-1 MAAC) is led by 6-foot-4 graduate student guard Matt Balanc, who is averaging 18.7 points and 2.8 3-pointers per game.

Florida is coming off a 96-57 win over Grambling State on Dec. 22, a game in which the Gators dished 27 assists, the most for UF team since posting a 27-assist game vs. Florida A&M on Dec. 5, 2007.

“That’s a heck of a number,” Golden said. “Only 10 turnovers. We shot the ball very well, we were efficient, and we were pretty tough. So, really happy with the way we competed.”

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-basketball-seeks-10th-non-232122389.html

Author : The Gainesville Sun

Publish date : 2023-12-29 23:21:22

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