In just more two weeks, the Gators appear to have undergone a complete transformation.
There is an old axiom that says, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
In many other weeks, a victory at home over Rhode Island might be just a run-of-the-mill occurrence.
After a 2010 that prominently featured both flashes of brilliance and moments of despair, the Gators opened the new year with the type of performance they’ve been looking for all season.
CINCINNATI — During the eight-day hiatus leading up to Friday’s game, the Gators were focused primarily on correcting their two biggest weaknesses: shooting and ball movement.
After a week in which they experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, the Gators found out Monday that they’ll have a few extra days to regroup.
It wasn’t the ideal bounce-back performance, but after Monday’s loss to Jacksonville the Gators will certainly take it.
Although his team was just 40 hours removed from a victory over then-No. 6 Kansas State, coach Billy Donovan was legitimately concerned about its matchup with the lowly Jacksonville Dolphins.
The Gators entered Monday’s game riding high after their biggest win of the season and expecting to cruise to an easy victory.
SUNRISE — After seven minutes, the Gators had zero points, six turnovers and seemingly no hope.
Over the past two weeks, the Gators have seen major improvements in their ability to find the open man and score the basketball.
On a night when they couldn’t get their outside shots to fall, the Gators relied on a dominant interior performance to carry them to victory.
After a pair of games in which their offense looked disorganized and out of sync, the Gators returned to form against American and rediscovered what it takes to get clean looks at the basket.
Given the fact they were returning five starters, the Gators didn’t expect teamwork to be an issue.
ORLANDO — In the first collegiate game on a new NBA floor, the Gators looked like they didn’t belong.
Given the hype surrounding the five returning starters and the excitement that comes with a top-notch recruiting class, it’s easy to see how last year’s eighth man could get lost in the shuffle.
TALLAHASSEE — With Florida State surging and thousands of fans screaming, the Gators weren’t sure how much longer they could hold on.
Vernon Macklin entered Tuesday’s game with serious questions about the status of his injured right knee, and for 20 minutes it looked like those concerns might be justified.
Solutions by The State News
