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Instant Analysis: Shutdown defense

No. 7 Florida (4-0) started a three-game home stand Tuesday night with a 58-40 win against MEAC foe Savannah State (3-3). Instant Analysis takes a look at what went into the UF win.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Florida opened the game on a tear and quickly took away any hope Savannah State had of an upset victory. The Gators opened the game on a 24-4 run, which was spearheaded by Patric Young's best first half of the early season. The Tigers would marginally close the gap before a second-half Florida run, but they would never be within double digits of the Gators.
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HE STOLE THE SHOW: Billy Donovan said Monday he has seen a mixed bag from Young this season in terms of the on-court goals he set for his center before the season. It was against lackluster competition, but Young had his best game of the season, finishing with a double-double (13 points and 11 rebounds), as well as six blocks.
THE STAT DOESN'T LIE: Tuesday night was far from being an offensive showcase for either team. Florida shot 35.4 percent from the field, while Savannah State shot 34.8 percent. Donovan was consistently unhappy with Florida's offense, especially during numerous first-half possessions. He was vocal in the second half, constantly pushing players to move the ball around more before taking shots.
OH WHAT A PLAY: In an area that will be incredibly frustrating for Donovan, the Gators continuously missed layups and short-range shots against the Tigers. However, one of them turned into a fantastic play. Mike Rosario missed a contested layup that was tip-slammed emphatically by Will Yeguete, one of the night's few true highlights.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: The Gators aren't typically thought of being a big-time front-court team, but they're working toward that reputation. Against undersized opponents, Florida has continued to flourish. Savannah State's tallest player was 6-foot-8, and the result was a combined 30 points for Yeguete (7), Young (13) and Erik Murphy (10).
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