Colin Castleton's effort keeps Gators competitive against SEC's top team
Colin Castleton had one of the best performances of his collegiate career Saturday night in Florida’s loss at No. 9 Auburn, a game he almost didn’t play in.
Castelton suffered a shoulder injury in Thursday’s practice and sat out Friday. UF coach Mike White wasn’t sure whether he’d have him available against the Tigers.
“We didn’t advertise it, but we didn’t know he was going,” White said. “He hurt his shoulder a couple of days ago, practiced about five minutes that day, did not go yesterday and didn’t go until shootaround. He gave it a go and we are fortunate that he did to make it competitive.”
Castleton had a slow start to the night, scoring just five points in the first half and committing two turnovers. But he caught fire after the break, dropping 17 and rallying the Gators with six straight points to make it a one-possession game halfway through the second period.
Castleton got the best of 7-foot-1 Auburn center Walker Kessler, who fouled out and finished with just six points.
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“I think Colin outdid his matchup,” Florida’s Anthony Duruji said after the game. “He was aggressive. He does a lot for us, so he played a great game. And obviously Kessler was fouled out, so he kept pressing him around the basket. He won that matchup.”
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Castleton posted 22 points and 10 rebounds, his second 20-point game and seventh double-double of the season. It also marked the second 20-point, 10-rebound game of his career after a 21-10 performance last season in a 72-63 win over Ole Miss.
“When we were playing inside out with Colin, I thought he made some really good decisions. Obviously made some hard ones himself against one-on-one coverage vs. size and length,” White said of Castleton. “He was terrific, he was poised and he played within himself. He missed a couple of shots, but his confidence level didn’t waver.
“He demanded it, he drew fouls, he drew extra defenders, kind of got them in rotations a few times, and probably should have had a couple more assists. Again, one of the best front courts in the country and Colin obviously more than held his own. I thought he was terrific and I thought he played really well.”
