Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Cornerback Jalen Tabor (31) celebrates after successfully defending wide receiver Josh Hammond (10) during the Orange & Blue Debut on April 8, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Tabor says Gators aren’t ‘scared’ of LSU despite injuries

By IAN COHEN | Nov. 15, 2016

The Florida-LSU matchup didn’t need any extra hype.

Florida forward Devin Robinson fights for a shot against Florida Gulf Coast forward Antravious Simmons during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday Nov. 11, 2016, in Jacksonville, Fla. (Bob Mack/The Florida Times-Union via AP)

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators’ offseason work paying off at free-throw line

By Ray Boone | Nov. 15, 2016

With about eight minutes left in the first half of Florida’s 76-54 win over Mercer on Sunday night, UF forward Devin Robinson was fouled by Bears forward Stephon Jelks after Robinson snagged an offensive rebound, sending the 6-foot-8 junior to the free-throw line for two shots.

T.J. McCoy (59) prepares to snap the ball during Florida's win against South Carolina on Nov. 12, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Third-string center proves his worth vs. South Carolina

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 15, 2016

T.J. McCoy didn’t have time to think before going in to play against South Carolina on Saturday.

UF guard Eleanna Christinaki goes for a layup during Florida's 53-45 win against LSU on Jan. 17, 2016, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Christinaki carries Florida to win over Chattanooga

By Alejandro López | Nov. 14, 2016

Eleanna Christinaki is used to leading the Florida women's basketball team.

UF soccer coach Becky Burleigh talks with her team following Florida's 5-2 win against Iowa State on Aug. 19, 2016, at James G. Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Roster depth paying dividends for Florida soccer team

By Dylan Dixon | Nov. 14, 2016

The Florida soccer team gained attention back in May when it unveiled its roster for the 2016 regular season.

Austin Appleby throws during Florida's 20-7 win against South Carolina on Nov. 12, 2016, at ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida football: Five things to know for LSU week

By IAN COHEN | Nov. 14, 2016

A week after losing by 21 points to Arkansas, Florida defeated South Carolina 20-7 at home, lost a handful of starters to injuries, and is now faced with a must-win game at LSU if the Gators want to guarantee a clinch of the SEC East.

Kevarrius Hayes, left, and Justin Leon watch from the sideline during Florida's 95-63 win over Auburn on Jan. 23, 2016, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators breeze past Mercer for second win

By Matt Brannon | Nov. 13, 2016

With 0.6 seconds left in the first half, Florida guard KeVaughn Allen stood behind the backboard and lobbed an out-of-bounds pass to forward Kevarrius Hayes.

Austin Appleby runs during Florida's 20-7 win over South Carolina on Nov. 12, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

CHALLENGING ROAD AHEAD: UF needs win over LSU to clinch SEC East

By Patrick Pinak | Nov. 13, 2016

Austin Appleby walked to the lectern with the confidence one would expect from a backup quarterback who’d just led his team to a Southeastern Conference win.

Ahmad Fulwood jumps to make a catch during Florida's 20-7 win over South Carolina on Nov. 12, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Senior receiver earning shot at redemption after big game

By IAN COHEN | Nov. 13, 2016

Through the stadium tunnel, past a pair of double doors and nestled in a corner of the weight room, Ahmad Fulwood sat with a confident smile following the best collegiate game of his life.

UF right-side hitter Alex Holston (3) celebrates during Florida's 3-0 win against St. John's on Sept. 17, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Holston leads Florida volleyball to Senior Day sweep

By Ray Boone | Nov. 13, 2016

Before Sunday afternoon’s match with Alabama, the Florida volleyball team celebrated one of the most prominent players in program history.

Eleanna Christinaki looks to drive to the basket while two Kentucky players defend her during Florida's 92-69 loss to the Wildcats in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals on March 4, 2016, in Jacksonville.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida heads to Chattanooga looking for second win

By Alejandro López | Nov. 13, 2016

A lot has changed since December 5, 1986.

Will Muschamp meets with Florida players after South Carolina's 20-7 loss to UF on Nov. 12, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Muschamp loses in return, UF depleted by injuries

By Ethan Bauer | Nov. 12, 2016

As if transferring power to a new president, Jim McElwain met defeated former Florida coach Will Muschamp at midfield and embraced him for about 10 seconds. McElwain said he thanked Muscamp for the defensive players he left behind and complimented what he’s doing at South Carolina. He also gushed over Muschamp’s character.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida offense comes alive, defense stays on track in win over South Carolina

By Ethan Bauer | Nov. 12, 2016

Austin Appleby eyed the edge and held the ball to his running back’s gut. When he saw what he was waiting for — the South Carolina defensive end rushing into the backfield — he ripped the ball out and ran.

UF midfielders Meggie Dougherty Howard (28) and Mayra Pelayo celebrate after Pelayo scores the first goal in Florida's 5-2 win against Iowa State on Aug. 19, 2016, at James G. Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Florida shuts out FGCU in first round of NCAA Tournament

By Dylan Dixon | Nov. 12, 2016

Meggie Dougherty Howard raced down the right side of the field and into Florida Gulf Coast’s penalty box as teammate Samantha Chung sent her a through ball from 30 yards away.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida uses second-half surge to win season opener

By Matt Brannon | Nov. 11, 2016

JACKSONVILLE — Florida Gulf Coast flew out of the starting tunnel like a team that felt confident about its chances of beating Florida. And through the start of the second half, the Eagles looked primed to do so, outshooting Florida from the field and from beyond the arc.

Florida guard Kasey Hill drives to the basket as Florida Gulf Coast forward Kevin Mickle defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday Nov. 11, 2016, in Jacksonville, Fla. (Bob Mack/The Florida Times-Union via AP)

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Kasey Hill efficient in Florida’s opening-night win

By Ray Boone | Nov. 11, 2016

JACKSONVILLE — In the midst of a 13-0 run during Friday night’s game between Florida and Florida Gulf Coast, UF point guard Kasey Hill snagged an errant pass from Eagles guard Zach Johnson. With Johnson breathing down his neck, the 6-foot-1 Hill raced down the court for the fast-break opportunity, exploded into the air and jammed it over the defender’s outstretched arms, giving the Gators a 60-50 lead.

Rachael Kramer (right) attempts a block during Florida's 3-0 win over Jacksonville on Sept. 16, 2016, in the Lemerand Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

No. 6 Gators use balanced attack to sweep Gamecocks

By Skyler Lebron | Nov. 11, 2016

She did the same thing to start the second set.

UF forward Ronni Williams goes for a layup during Florida's 53-45 win against LSU on Jan. 17, 2016, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

UF women’s basketball opens season with emphatic win over South Alabama

By Alejandro López | Nov. 11, 2016

JACKSONVILLE — Delicia Washington knew what she needed to do.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Despite tight SEC race, Florida volleyball focused on present

By Ray Boone | Nov. 9, 2016

The No. 6 Florida volleyball team defeated Mississippi State in a clean sweep on Sunday to capture its 12th Southeastern Conference win of the season.

Savannah Jordan dribbles the ball during Florida's 5-2 win over Iowa State on Aug. 19 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Soccer seniors hoping to extend careers

By Lauren Staff | Nov. 9, 2016

After 20 matches this season, the Gators are only guaranteed one more.