Instant Analysis: Florida defeats ETSU, will face Virginia in second round
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* Florida vs. ETSU game discussion
* Mike White and players press conference
* Video: Robinson, Hayes discuss victory against ETSU
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ORLANDO, Fla. – Mike White and the majority of Florida's roster now finally have an NCAA Tournament win on their resume.
Behind Devin Robinson's 24 points, No. 4 seed Florida (25-8, 14-4 SEC) eventually woke up from a shaky first half shooting the ball and cruised past No. 13 seed East Tennessee State (27-8, 14-4 Southern Conference) in the second half 80-65 on Thursday afternoon in the Amway Center in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Instant Analysis now takes a closer look at Florida’s opening round victory.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Despite leading twice by eight points in the first half, Florida saw its halftime lead cut to just 33-32 after the Gators struggled to make shots late in the first half.
However, coming out of the half, the Gators woke up offensively. Following a 1-of-10 start from downtown, Justin Leon knocked down a three – and then Robinson hit back-to-back three-pointers – as Florida took a 44-37 lead five minutes into the half. Some more good shooting – Allen and Chiozza would hit threes during the stretch - and transition defense helped Florida to a 22-6 run over less than nine minutes and a 57-43 advantage with 8:54 left. The Gators would maintain a double-digit lead the rest of the way through.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Robinson was the standout for the Gators on Thursday, with a team-best and career high-tying 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting to go along with seven rebounds. Robinson provided energy and hustle from the early goings, with six of his first 10 points coming on emphatic dunks. The junior forward also hit back-to-back threes during a key stretch in the second half to lift Florida to a seven-point lead that kept growing.
Florida also saw a strong outing from sophomore center Kevarrius Hayes, who logged seven points, seven rebounds, a career-best six steals to go along with two blocks. Kasey Hill and Chris Chiozza each chipped in 14 points while combining for 11 rebounds and eight assists.
THESE STATS DON'T LIE: Although Florida shot just 7-of-22 from downtown, it went 19-of-32 on two-point baskets. Meanwhile, ETSU went 9-of-24 from three-point range (including 5-of-13 in the second half) and 40.3% shooting overall.
Florida (21-of-27 free throw shooting) got to the line more frequently than East Tennessee State (6-of-10). The Gators outrebounded the Buccaneers 38-32 and won the points off of turnovers battle 20-5. Florida’s bench outscored ETSU’s 25-18.
WHAT A PLAY: Robinson had a fair number of emphatic dunks throughout Saturday’s contest, but Kasey Hill also earned his way onto the highlight reel early on in the first half with a pretty drive to the rim. Handling the ball near the top of the key, Hill used a behind-the-back crossover to race past an ETSU defender and coast to the rim for a pretty layup. The score lifted Florida’s early lead to 8-4 about three minutes into the contest.
THE BOTTOM LINE: After a first half where they struggled from the field (especially from downtown) and their defensive communication at times was iffy, the Gators settled down in the second half and proved from a talent standpoint that they're superior to the Buccaneers. With KeVaughn Allen not having a good shooting day, Robinson rose to the occasion and played one of his best games as a Gator. The three-point shooting picked up in the second half, and the Gators didn't allow nearly as many easy looks to East Tennessee State. For a Gators roster comprised mostly of players who had never been to an NCAA Tournament, this win is a nice little confidence boost. Now, another challenge awaits in a talented defensive squad in Virginia.
NEXT UP: No. 4 seed Florida will square off against No. 5 seed Virginia on Saturday in the Amway Center at a time that has yet to be announced for a spot in the Sweet 16. The Cavaliers (23-10) held off 12th-seeded UNC-Wilmington for a 76-71 win on Thursday prior to the Florida-ETSU matchup to advance to the round of 32.
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