Florida takes down Oregon State in the Phil Knight Legacy
Behind an outstanding performance Friday from junior guard Trey Bonham, the Florida Gators took down Oregon State 81-68 in the Phil Knight Legacy. The Mobile, Alabama, guard sparked the Gators’ offense, putting up 19 points, three assists and no turnovers. Todd Golden’s Gators are now 4-2.
Florida caught fire from the field, shooting 56.6 percent from the field. From behind the arc, Florida shot 42.1 percent to help the Gators get out to an early lead. Just 37 seconds into the game, Colin Castleton gave the Gators the lead and they never gave it up.
Florida focused on offense, starts hot and doesn’t look back
After holding Duke to 26.7 percent from the field on Thursday, the Gators knew they would have to be at their best offensively if they wanted to beat the Beavers.
“It was a concern of mine, obviously, coming into the game. They were fantastic defensively yesterday,” Golden said. “It started with stops on the defensive end. I thought we got some run-outs early, which kind of took the lid off the rim.”
Behind stellar defense and shooting, Florida got out to a 17-2 lead in only 6:08 of game time.
“We saw our first couple perimeter shots go in, which I thought bred confidence within our club,” Golden said. “This was our best offensive game of the year.”
After the Gators jumped out to a large lead, Golden says his Florida team had an answer to thwart every comeback attempt.
“Every run they went on — and they went on some runs, they made their last four threes of the first half — we had an answer for it,” Golden said. “I’m starting to see certain guys really get comfortable.”
Bonham added, “We knew we wanted to start off fast, throw the first punch. So just having that mindset, I think it just transitioned to the court — hit shots early, got stops early.”
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Guard play carries Gators to victory
Just a few weeks into his first year at Florida, Bonham is finding himself. He logged a season-high 23 points in the loss to Xavier.
“It’s pretty good,” Bonham said of his confidence. “I’ve been playing basketball a long time, so I’m feeling like the old Trey.”
Bonham has scored in double figures in each of his last three games, totaling 53 points.
“He’s had an incredible last five halves of games,” Golden said of Bonham. “He’s just a fantastic scorer, playmaker, 19 points, three assists, no turnovers tonight.”
Another guard, Belmont transfer Will Richard, posted an impressive shooting night, posting 13 points on only five shots. Richard shot 100 percent from the charity stripe.
After Friday’s game, Golden sang Richard’s praises.
“He’s a super-winning player. He’s an incredibly intelligent young man, a guy that can pick up schemes and defensive coverages really well,” Golden said.
Throughout the season, Richard has posted at least 13 points in each of the Gators’ six contests.
“He’s super-tough, which is something I really like as a coach. He doesn’t run from contact,” Golden continued. “He likes to get in there and mix it up and does a great job on the glass. I’m just really happy we have him on our side.”
Florida (4-2) takes on West Virginia (5-1) on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. on ESPNU.
