Some observations following UF’s 72-46 win over South Carolina:
– For as poorly as Florida rebounded in the first half against the Gamecocks (outebounded 21-12), Florida regrouped in the second half to finish with a plus-four rebounding margin (38-34). Florida’s depth played a key, as did the Gators getting South Carolina forwards Michael Carrera and Demetrius Henry in foul trouble. Carrera and Henry each finished the game with four fouls and combined for just 29 minutes on the floor. The Gators finished with 16 offensive rebounds and outscored the Gamecocks 23-8 in second-chance points.
– What more can be said about Florida sophomore guard Michael Frazier II;s record-setting 37-point day? Of his five 3-pointers in the first half, four came from the right side of the floor and one came from the left corner. In the second half, Frazier made four of his six 3s from the left side of the floor with two in the right corner. He was hitting from everyone. South Carolina guard Brenton Williams credited Frazier, but also blamed South Carolina miscommunications for Frazier’s big night. “There were times he subbed in the game and got wide-open 3s on out-of-bounds plays,” Williams said. “That’s just something that’s totally on us.”
– It’s nice to see Florida freshman forward Chris Walker continue to make progress. Walker had 4 points, 2 rebounds and an assist in 7 minutes against South Carolina. In the first half, Walker finished a terrific, two-handed slam dunk in traffic, displaying his leaping ability by towering over two South Carolina defenders for the finish.
