Florida Atlantic earns first win vs Florida in program history

College basketball season is just getting underway, with teams across the country getting their nonconference schedule start. An in-state showdown took place in Gainesville on Monday evening, with the Florida Gators hosting the Florida Atlantic Owls. However, things did not go to plan for first-year head coach Todd Golden.

For the first time in program history, Florida Atlantic was the one to come out victorious against Florida. Three other matchups had taken place, with 38.67 being the average margin of victory. It may have not been by a ton but the Owls will take a two-point, 76-76 win at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.

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Three different FAU players were in double figures, with Michael Forrest having 20 points coming off the bench. He shot 4-7 from the three-point line as the entire team shot well behind the arc, making 54.2% of their shots.

Colin Castleton was his usual self for Florida though, having 30 points and 12 rebounds. Three other starters had double-digit points but there was not much help coming off the bench. The Gators only had five bench points across 55 total minutes played.

More on Florida, early start to the season

Golden had a positive start to the season, winning the first two games. Sizable wins against Kennesaw State and Stony Brook were a good way to kick things off. The progress made after moving on from Mike White has now taken a step back with the Florida Atlantic loss.

Next up for Florida is another in-state game but this one will mean a little more. They will be making their way to Tallahassee for an annual matchup against the Florida State Seminoles — one Golden will want to win, especially after a loss. A crucial stretch is upcoming for the Gators.