Some observations following UF’s 62-52 win over Dayton:
– Florida was stagnant on offense at times, especially in the second half, but Florida played to its strength by taking the ball inside against an overmatched Dayton frontline. Florida went to the free-throw line 28 times, compared to just 8 trips for a Dayton team that was whistled for 19 fouls. The Gators also converted at the foul line, shooting 75 percent (21-28), above its season average of 66.3 percent.
– It was a nice bounce-back effort for Florida senior center Patric Young, who finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocked shots. Young knew he needed to step up after having as many points (4) as fouls (4) against UCLA. Florida looked for the 6-foot-9, 240-pound Young throughout the game and he delivered on both ends of the floor.
– At times, Florida got back to the pattern of doubling the post and leaving shooters wide open on the perimeter. Forward Dorian Finney-Smith took some of the blame for some miscommunications in the first half that left Dayton forward Devin Oliver wide open at the top of the key for 3-point attempts. Dayton went 8 of 18 from 3-point range and missed some other open looks. But ultimately, Florida won the game by holding Dayton to just 11 two-point shots.
