Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

January Miller drives down the court in Florida’s 75-67 win against Alabama on Jan. 30 in the O’Connell Center. Miller fouled out against Georgia on Sunday.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Consistency works for UF

By GORDON STREISAND< | Feb. 17, 2014

Florida’s last four victories have come by way of the same starting five.

Scottie Wilbekin shoots an uncontested three-point shot during Florida’s 69-59 win against Kentucky on Saturday in Lexington, Ky. Wilbekin scored a career-high 23 points in the win, which was the Gators’ first in Rupp Arena since 2007.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators dominate game in second half

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Feb. 16, 2014

Throughout the Southeastern Conference schedule, Billy Donovan has coached two different teams: the first-half and second-half Gators.

Taylor Gushue bats during Florida’s 9-7 loss against Maryland on Saturday at McKethan Stadium. Gushue drove in three runs in UF’s 8-5 win on Sunday.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

UF bats bail out starter to win season-opening series

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Feb. 16, 2014

Karsten Whitson waited nearly two years to get back on the mound, but his return did not last long.

Gordon Watson hits a ball during Florida’s 7-0 win against St. John’s on Jan. 6, 2013. The junior won the singles event of the Gainesville ITA Circuits Draw on Monday.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS

Gordon provides lone singles win for Gators in defeat to Notre Dame

By BRITNEE MCCOY< | Feb. 16, 2014

Florida’s run at the 2014 ITA National Men’s Team Indoor Championship was cut short Sunday after a quick 4-0 loss to Notre Dame.

Florida forward Casey Prather (24) drives past Auburn forward Alex Thompson during the No. 7 Gators' 68-61 win against the Tigers on Saturday in Auburn Arena.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Wilbekin, Prather lead Gators to first road win over Kentucky since 2007

By LANDON WATNICK< | Feb. 15, 2014

Behind big nights from Casey Prather and Scottie Wilbekin, Florida left Lexington, Ky., with its first win in Rupp Arena since 2007.

Lauren Haeger swings at a pitch during Florida’s 11-1 win against USF on May 18, 2013, at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Gators reach 10 wins behind 15-run second inning

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Feb. 15, 2014

Even though Florida’s game against Ohio State on Sunday was run ruled after five innings, it only needed two to seal its 19-2 win to start its doubleheader in the Easton Desert Classic.

Shannon Gilroy attempts a shot during Florida's 18-7 win against High Point on Saturday in Donald R. Dizney Stadium. The junior midfielder set UF single-game records for draw controls (10), goals (8) and shots (13) against the Panthers.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Florida's offense shines in blowout victory over High Point

By EDEN OTERO | Feb. 15, 2014

With age comes wisdom. But No. 8 Florida (2-1) would probably disagree.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Gators struggle with five-man lineup in SunTrust Gator Invitational

By LAYNE WEITZEL< | Feb. 15, 2014

Buddy Alexander took a chance with his five-man lineup. It hasn’t worked.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS

Watson helps bring Florida upset victory over Georgia

By BRITNEE MCCOY< | Feb. 15, 2014

After falling to Ohio State on Friday, No. 12 Florida came up big on Day 2 of the 2014 ITA Division I National Men's Team Indoor Championship as it upset No. 4 Georgia in a 4-2 victory.

Bobby Poyner pitched 5.1 innings in No. 23 Florida's 4-0 opening night victory over Maryland.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Poyner stars in Gators' opening night victory

By ADAM PINCUS< | Feb. 14, 2014

What a difference a year makes. No. 23 Florida yearned for consistent innings in 2013. Ace Jonathon Crawford had a down year by his standards. Karsten Whitson never saw the field, and Bobby Poyner occasionally saw the mound as a midweek guy or middle reliever.

Kytra Hunter performs a floor routine during the NCAA Regionals on April 6, 2013, in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Hunter fights off flu to lead Gators to perfection

By ERICA A. HERNANDEZ | Feb. 14, 2014

Kytra Hunter pretty much summed it all up after Florida’s home win against Arkansas (197.525-196.025) on Valentines Day.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS

Florida falls in top-15 matchup

By BRITNEE MCCOY< | Feb. 14, 2014

Florida had a rough start to the ITA Men’s Team Indoor Championships.

Karsten Whitson pitches during UF’s 5-0 win against USF on Feb. 20, 2011.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Chip On His Shoulder: Whitson looks to return to past performance in ‘14

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Feb. 13, 2014

You don’t know what you have till it’s gone.

Scottie Wilbekin (right) drives against Tennessee guard Josh Richardson during No. 3 Florida’s 67-58 win against Tennessee on Tuesday night in Knoxville, Tenn. Wilbekin led the Gators with a career-high 21 points.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Wilbekin’s offense keeping pace with strong defense

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Feb. 13, 2014

Billy Donovan knows Scottie Wilbekin had a great game Tuesday against Tennessee.

Taylor Gushue swings during Florida’s 4-1 loss against Florida State on Mar. 12, 2013, at McKethan Stadium. Gushue tied for the team lead with five home runs last year. Florida opens its season at home against Maryland tonight at 7.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Florida searching for power after small-ball season

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Feb. 13, 2014

Someone call Gainesville Regional Utilities. McKethan Stadium has been suffering a power outage since June 2012.

Pamela Begic looks on from the bench during Florida’s 75-67 win against Alabama on Jan. 30 in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Tall soccer player stepping in for short basketball team

By GORDON STREISAND< | Feb. 13, 2014

In October, she played midfield for the soccer team. In January, she started practicing with the basketball scout team.

Olivia Janowicz swings at the ball during Florida’s 4-0 win against Harvard on Jan. 26 at the Ring Tennis Complex.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS

Janowicz leading the way for UF

By IAN COHEN | Feb. 13, 2014

After a weekend of highs and lows at the National Team Indoor Championships, the Gators did not come away with an award.

Cory McGee runs in the SEC Cross Country Championships on Nov. 1, 2013, at the Mark Bostick Golf Course.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS

Florida racing to four meets despite fatigue

By LAWRENCE LAGUNA< | Feb. 13, 2014

Although the UF track and field program has compiled 35 event victories in four meets this indoor season, fatigue has had a negative effect on athletes.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Gators look to continue success at home tourney

By LAYNE WEITZEL< | Feb. 13, 2014

Junior J.D. Tomlinson has garnered a number of accomplishments in his golf career, but a SunTrust Gator Invitational title is not among them.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS

UF going to Houston for ITA Indoor Nationals

By BRITNEE MCCOY< | Feb. 13, 2014

Coach Bryan Shelton and the No. 12 Florida men’s tennis team are more than ready to begin play at the ITA National Indoors Championships this weekend in Houston.