Sports | Basketball - The Independent Florida Alligator

Kasey Hill attempts a shot during Florida’s 67-53 victory against Southern on Monday in the O’Connell Center. Hill suffered a high ankle sprain in the game.

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Hill injury problematic

By LANDON WATNICK< | Nov. 19, 2013

It was supposed to be a regular move in Kasey Hill’s repertoire.

Kasey Hill lies on the ground after suffering an ankle injury during the second half of Florida’s 67-53 victory against Southern in the O’Connell Center on Monday. Hill is expected to miss at least one month due to a high ankle sprain.

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Florida loses freshman guard in win against Southern

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 18, 2013

Just two minutes into the second half of No. 16 Florida’s 67-53 victory against Southern on Monday night, point guard Kasey Hill suffered a high left ankle sprain after being fouled driving to the basket.

Ronni Williams attempts a shot during Florida’s 88-77 win against North Florida on Nov. 10 in the O’Connell Center. Williams scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against No. 6 Kentucky on Sunday.

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UF looking for consistency early in season

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 18, 2013

Two very different Gators teams took the floor last week.

Dorian Finney-Smith attempts a layup during Florida’s 86-56 victory against Arkansas-Little Rock on Saturday in the O’Connell Center.

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Redshirt sophomore transfer enjoys successful UF debut

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 17, 2013

There was no red carpet rolled out for Dorian Finney-Smith on Saturday night.

Redshirt junior guard Kayla Lewis poses during Florida women’s basketball’s media day.

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Lewis scores 21 points to lead Florida past Kennesaw State

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 17, 2013

Kayla Lewis had a birthday to remember.

Redshirt sophomore forward Dorian Finney-Smith goes up for a dunk during No. 11 Florida's 86-56 win against Arkansas Little-Rock on Saturday in the O'Connell Center.

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Prather leads Florida past UALR after slow start

By LANDON WATNICK< | Nov. 16, 2013

After a sluggish first half filled with missed shots, free throws and defensive assignments, Florida picked up the slack against Arkansas Little-Rock in the second half.

Kasey Hill dribbles the ball during Florida’s 77-69 victory against North Florida on Nov. 8 in the O’Connell Center.

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Freshman guard off to slow start for Gators

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 14, 2013

The suspension of Scottie Wilbekin to start the season pushed Kasey Hill into the starting point guard role for the Gators.

Ronni Williams posts up during Florida’s win against North Florida on Sunday in the O’Connell Center.

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Slow start dooms Gators in road loss

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 14, 2013

The third time is not always the charm.

Jaterra Bonds attempts a shot during Florida's 88-77 victory against North Florida on Nov. 10 in the O'Connell Center.

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Gators preparing for road test tonight

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 13, 2013

Slowly but surely, the Gators’ competition stiffens as the season progresses.

Wisconsin’s Duje Dukan (center) grabs a rebound from Florida’s Casey Prather (left) and Jacob Kurtz during the Badgers’ 59-53 victory against the Gators in Madison, Wis., on Tuesday night.

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Wisconsin hands Florida first loss

By LANDON WATNICK< | Nov. 12, 2013

Florida made it a close game against Wisconsin, but one shot late in the contest ended the Gators’ hopes Tuesday night.

Billy Donovan shouts from beside the bench during Florida’s 77-69 victory against North Florida on Friday afternoon in the O’Connell Center. No. 11 Florida plays against No. 20 Wisconsin tonight at 9 p.m.

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Florida looking for attitude adjustment against Wisconsin

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 11, 2013

Billy Donovan was irritated following Florida’s season-opening victory against North Florida.

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Gators enjoy strong opening weekend of play

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 11, 2013

It was a tale of two victories.

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Florida tops North Florida for second win to start season

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 10, 2013

Two games into the season, everything is seemingly going to plan.

Freshman guard Ronni Williams, a McDonald’s High School All-American, poses during Florida women’s basketball’s media day. Williams recorded a double-double in Florida's 93-65 win against Bethune-Cookman on Friday.

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Freshman stars in Gators season opener

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 8, 2013

With an even shorter bench than originally anticipated, the Gators made the most of what they had.

Senior forward Casey Prather dribbles down the court during No. 10 Florida's 77-69 win against North Florida on Friday in the O'Connell Center. Prather scored 28 points and grabbed eight rebounds Friday.

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Florida struggles defensively but holds off North Florida in season opener

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 8, 2013

Last year, the Gators allowed an average 49.4 points per game at home. They won every game in the O’Connell Center by at least 12. Only two of the fifteen visitors broke 60 points, with UCF peaking at 66 points.

Sophomore guard Michael Frazier II drives into the lane for a layup during No. 10 Florida's 77-69 win against North Florida on Friday in the O'Connell Center.

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Notebook: Frazier returns from mononucleosis stint to fuel Florida

By LANDON WATNICK< | Nov. 8, 2013

Returning to the court nine days after being diagnosed with mononucleosis Oct. 30, Michael Frazier II thought he would see about 8-10 minutes off the bench against North Florida on Friday.

Patric Young catches a pass during Florida’s 110-88 win against Florida Southern in an exhibition on Nov. 1 in the O’Connell Center.

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Young: Wild and free entering senior season with Gators

By LANDON WATNICK< | Nov. 7, 2013

Throughout his basketball career, Patric Young has heard the Dwight Howard comparisons.

Gators coach Billy Donovan addresses reporters during the Florida men’s basketball team’s annual media day at the University Women’s Club on Oct. 9.

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Donovan looking for better defense from Gators

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 7, 2013

Florida Southern, a Division II team that shot only 35.1 percent from behind the arc last season, sank three straight 3-pointers to kick off its exhibition game against Florida last week.

Guard Jaterra Bonds drives to the basket during Florida’s 69-58 win against Arkansas on Feb. 28 in the O'Connell Center.

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Florida women ready for season opener against Bethune-Cookman

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 7, 2013

After seven grueling months, the time has finally come for the Florida women’s basketball team.

Casey Prather attempts a shot during Florida’s 110-88 victory against Florida Southern during an exhibition game on Friday in the O’Connell Center.

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Prather assuming larger scoring role for depleted Florida

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 5, 2013

Casey Prather had a humble beginning to his Florida career.