Some observations following UF’s 62-51 win over Mississippi State
– Hate to keep harping on free throws, but Florida going 8 for 19 from the foul line isn’t going to cut it in March. Afterward, Florida coach Billy Donovan acknowledged it was a focus issue and challenged his seniors to shoot better. Casey Prather and Will Yegete went a combined 3 of 11 for the game.
– I like that Florida coach Billy Donovan keeps prodding sophomore guard Michael Frazier II to shoot when he starts out cold. Frazier missed his first six 3-point attempts, but made his final three to finish 3 of 9 from beyond the arc. Frazier’s last 3-pointer extended UF’s lead to 58-46 with 2:21 remaining and snuffed out any chances for Mississippi State to get back into the game.
– Patric Young tends not to play to his physical strength when he gets into early foul trouble. But the 6-foot-9, 240-pound Young played more free and easy in the second half and it showed. Young possesses the physical gifts to dominate inside, and showed improved touch on some of his shots in the low post in the second half. I think Young will benefit from freshman Chris Walker’s anticipated debut next Tuesday against Missouri because it will provide a safety net for him. Young can play harder early because he knows even if he picks up two first-half fouls, Walker will be available off the bench to spell him for some minutes.
