Some observations following Florida’s 95-63 win over Auburn:
– Though Florida coach Mike White was pleased with UF’s scoring balance (five players in double figures) and ball movement (20) he was still concerned about UF’s high number of turnovers (16), which Auburn converted into 21 points. The Gators have given up 79 points off turnovers over their last four games, “We have to get back to taking better care of the ball when we play fast,” White said.
– Freshman center Kevarrius Hayes did a nice job off the bench. With starting center John Egbunu in and out of foul trouble, Hayes had 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocked shots and 1 steal in 16 minutes. The 6-foot-9 Hayes still thinks of himself as a defensive player first. “Basically, I was trying to focus on what I can do to help,” Hayes said. “I’m not one of the top scorers, pretty much pride myself on being able to keep the same energy level, working hard and trying to get whatever rebound I can, touch any ball I can. Try to be in the right spots, help out the team as best I can. Not having a lapse in energy.”
– It’s amazing how much easier to pad a lead when you make free throws. Florida went 10 of 12 from the free throw line in the first half and shot a season-best 83.3 percent (20-24) for the game. The Gators came into the game the worst free-throw shooting team in the SEC at 61.1 percent. “I told our guys I was shocked,” White said. “It’s much needed. If you’re gonna win games in the SEC, you’ve got to convert from the foul line. Credit our guys, Kevarrius, John Egbunu, Dorian (Finney-Smith), KeVaughn (Allen), they’ve spent more time in the gym. They’ve been challenged. They know it’s a huge deficiency of ours. They stepped up tonight and hopefully they have more nights like this moving forward.”
