It required a very late second-half comeback and five extra minutes, but the No. 12 Florida Gators managed to dispatch the upset-minded Arizona Wildcats Wednesday night in Gainesville, Fla., thanks to a massive performance from Patric Young. Young had 25 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and zero turnovers, carrying the Gators to a win despite missing five of his six free throws.
No. 12 Florida Vs. Arizona Final Score: Gators Finish Off Wildcats, 78-72, In OT
It took overtime, but No. 12 Florida defended their home court against an upset-minded Arizona squad that is still looking for a big non-conference victory.
The Wildcats were up seven points with 7:11 left in the game, but the Gators managed to go up 66-63 with eight seconds to go before a careless foul with three seconds left put Arizona's Solomon Hill on the line to shoot three foul shots, and he sank all three to send the game into extra time.
In overtime, though, Florida took over. Erving Walker score 10 of the Gators' 13 points — eight of which came on free throws — and Will Yeguete scored the other three, proving to be too much for the Wildcats to match. It was another early test for the Gators, thanks to head coach Billy Donovan's scheduling. The Gators (6-2) have lost to No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Syracuse already.
For the Wildcats (6-3), it was a good showing against a Final Four contender, but not enough to come away with a tough road win. Aside from a win against a very green, very shallow St. John's squad, they have yet to beat an opponent from any Big Six conference. They were led by Jesse Perry, who scored 23.
For more on these two teams, visit Florida blog Alligator Army and Wildcats blog Arizona Desert Swarm.
See More:
