Some observations following UF’s 72-70 win over Oklahoma State.
– Yes, Florida’s missed free throws were maddening. But give UF credit in its resolve of maintaining its lead despite missing some key free throws in the final two minutes. Junior forward DeVon Walker senior forward Dorian Finney-Smith made big hustle plays off missed shots and missed free-throws which allowed Florida to maintain possession and kill clock in the final two minutes. “There we things we could have done to execute better, but we stayed together,” Florida coach Mike White said.
– On the subject of Walker, White said he really felt the 6-foot-6 swingman “lifted the team up” defensively in the final 10 minutes. Walker didn’t score but had 2 blocked shots and 2 rebounds in 14 minutes and a ton of hustle plays and defensive close-outs as well that were critical to the outcome of the game.
– Florida was a little sluggish on the boards Saturday night. Oklahoma State outrebounded the Gators 42-37 and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds. It’s the first game of the season that Florida won in which is was outrebounded (1-3). On the plus side, sophomore forward Devin Robinson continues to mix it up inside with 13 points and 6 rebounds. But center John Egbunu (3 rebounds) missed some opportunities to grab some boards.
