Round 1 of the Big 12-SEC Challenge went to the SEC as Florida knocked off No. 9 West Virginia 88-71 in Gainesville. Dorian Finney-Smith drilled five three-pointers and led Florida with 24 points while KeVaughn Allen had 19 of his own.
It was hot shooting that propelled Florida to victory in this game, as the Gators shot 53.1 percent from the field and an eye-popping 60 percent from long range. When any team shoots that well, the odds of them winning instantly increase.
West Virginia’s scoring luck was not as fortuitous as its opponents, unfortunately. The Mountaineers shot just 43 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range, uncharacteristic for a team that ranks amongst the best in both scoring and points allowed per game.
JaySean Paige and Tarik Phillip each scored 15 points for West Virginia, but the Mountaineers just couldn’t get the ball rolling in the scoring department and their desperation showed. West Virginia also committed 18 turnovers and could not communicate, dishing out just 10 assists compared to Florida’s 16.
And West Virginia will need to get itself together, and quickly. The Mountaineers have lost three of five and visit Iowa State on Tuesday, and a loss there could be potentially derailing.
Florida, on the other hand, will look to continue gaining ground in the SEC in its first season under coach Mike White when it hosts Arkansas on Wednesday.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports