After a rough stretch offensively, guard Kenny Boynton rediscovered his shot.
In the Gators’ four contests leading up to No. 13 Florida’s 79-58 victory against Yale in New Haven, Conn., Boynton averaged only 9.25 points per game on 29 percent shooting from the field.
But Sunday night against the Bulldogs was a different story. Boynton tied a career-high 28 points.
Boynton also helped Florida shoot 60 percent by going 9 of 12, including shooting 8 of 10 behind the arc, the Gators’ best shooting percentage since Nov. 14.
“It was good for him to get out of that funk,” coach Billy Donovan said. “For someone that’s had the kind of slump like he’s had … it was great to see him break out the way he did.”
Ending his cold streak wasn’t Boynton’s only accomplishment Sunday night.
The senior broke Lee Humphrey’s record for career three-pointers at Florida, pushing his total to 290.
“It means a lot,” Boynton said.
“When I was younger, I came to Florida games, and I watched Lee Humphrey play. He was a great shooter.”
Junior Scottie Wilbekin led Florida (10-2) in assists during their 21-point win against Yale (5-11).
Wilbekin recorded a career-high 10 assists, beating his previous best of eight, which he set against UCF on Nov. 23.
Forward Will Yeguete also had a strong night for the Gators.
Despite sustaining an injury to his nose in the first half, Yeguete reentered the game with a bandage on his cut and put up 14 points, nine rebounds, an assist and a steal during his 27 minutes.
Erik Murphy sat out Sunday’s game due to an injury he sustained to his ribs during Friday’s practice.
Murphy entered Sunday as UF’s second-leading scorer, averaging 12.1 points per game.
Murphy is doubtful for Florida’s Southeastern Conference opener against Georgia on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the O’Connell Center.
Although the Gators may have to play without Murphy as they start their SEC season, Boynton is making sure Florida doesn’t get complacent.
“Don’t take any team for granted in the SEC because it’s basically like a startover,” Boynton said.
“It’s a new season.”
A radio broadcast contributed to this report.
Contact Katie Agostin at kagostin@alligator.org.
Senior guard Kenny Boynton attempts a shot during Florida’s 78-61 victory against Air Force on Dec. 29 in the O’Connell Center.
