WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a week in which two dismal scoring performances resulted in the season’s second loss, the Gators came out Sunday with what senior Chandler Parsons called the best half of basketball they have played this season.
Florida scored only 30 points over the first 20 minutes, but it did so without any of the selfish and disjointed play that resulted in a defeat against UCF.
Instead, the No. 18 Gators (6-2) made smart decisions and moved the ball with precision as they defeated American (5-3) 67-48 in the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
“Tonight I think the first half was the best offensive half we’ve had all year just from the standpoint of running offense, executing, and making the extra pass,” Parsons said. “We’re going to knock down shots so we’re not going to worry about that. We’re just working on getting the best available one.”
Florida’s commitment to selflessness and ball distribution yielded 14 assists compared to just six turnovers for Sunday’s starters.
Those numbers mark a major improvement from the season’s first seven contests, over which the unit had 69 assists and 75 turnovers.
“We just wanted to share the ball and get back to Florida basketball,” sophomore Erving Walker said. “Just trying to not force plays, making the extra pass, hustling on defense and things like that.”
That willingness to pass led to an even shot distribution, as six players finished with seven, eight or nine shot attempts.
As American switched between man and zone defenses, different areas of the floor started to open up for the Gators, who were willing to take whatever the Eagles gave them.
“I think that’s our identity,” Parsons said. “That’s what type of team we should be. We’ve got nobody going out there trying to get 20 or 30 points per game.”
In the days leading up to the contest, coach Billy Donovan stressed the team’s need to focus on the things they could control.
Instead of worrying about whether a specific shot goes in, Donovan said players should be worried about shot selection and the passes that lead to an open look.
That mindset is the reason Donovan was pleased with the play of sophomore Kenny Boynton, who had seven assists and zero turnovers but also went 0 for 9 from the field in a scoreless effort.
“The minute the ball leaves your hand, gravity has more control than actually you do,” Donovan said. “I’m more proud that he played the right way. As long as our team is getting good shots I have no problem with it.”
The Gators other four starters all scored in double figures, led by Walker’s 16. The sophomore connected on 4 of 6 three-point attempts, including a critical basket with 10:26 remaining after AU had trimmed UF’s lead to eight, the smallest it would be in the second half.
Seniors Parsons and Alex Tyus both bounced back from poor performances against UCF, shooting a combined 10 for 15 after going 1 for 14 collectively against the Knights.
Macklin, on the other hand, picked up right where he left off in Wednesday’s loss.
The senior followed that 20-point performance with five points in the first 4:36 Sunday on his way to 12 for the game.
Macklin also recorded four rebounds and two blocks in his first game back at the Verizon Center since playing there as a Georgetown Hoya during his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Macklin was pleased he could put on a good show for his mom, Sonya, and brother, Eugene, who made the trip from his nearby hometown of Portsmouth, Va.
“I’m happy for him,” Donovan said. “Coming back in to the area where he was in school for a couple years. But obviously being from Virginia, this game and us playing it had a lot to do with getting a chance to bring him back here as a senior.”
