Sports | Basketball - The Independent Florida Alligator

Ronni Williams attempts a shot during Florida’s 88-77 win against North Florida on Nov. 10 in the O’Connell Center. Williams scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against No. 6 Kentucky on Sunday.

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Florida bounces back with win against Oregon State

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 30, 2013

Florida was everything it wanted to be on Saturday.

Senior forward Casey Prather attempts a layup during No. 15 Florida's 67-66 win against Florida State on Friday night in the O'Connell Center.

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Florida survives late FSU rally to win 67-66

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 29, 2013

After winning each home game by at least 12 points last year, No. 15 Florida’s 20-game home winning streak came down to whether Florida State’s Ian Miller could sink a last-second half-court shot.

Redshirt sophomore forward Dorian Finney-Smith shoots a jumper during No. 15 Florida's 67-66 win against Florida State on Friday night in the O'Connell Center.

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Finney-Smith sinks game-winning free throw against Florida State

By LANDON WATNICK< | Nov. 29, 2013

Dorian Finney-Smith had been struggling all night against FSU, but an opportunity for redemption presented itself in the final seconds of the contest.

Jaterra Bonds attempts a shot during Florida's 88-77 victory against North Florida on Nov. 10 in the O'Connell Center.

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Illinois State upsets Florida women's basketball team 68-64

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 29, 2013

Bizarre happenings are commonplace within the Bermuda Triangle.

Sophomore guard January Miller attempts a floater down the lane during Florida's 72-68 win against St. John's on Nov. 26 in the O'Connell Center.

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Miller powers Florida women's basketball team past St. John's

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 27, 2013

Sophomore January Miller is on a little bit of a tear early in the season.

Scottie Wilbekin (5) brings the ball up the court for Florida against Jacksonville during the second half of the Gators’ 86-60 victory against the Dolphins on Monday in Jacksonville.

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Return of point guard sparks Florida victory

By LANDON WATNICK< | Nov. 25, 2013

JACKSONVILLE — With point guard Scottie Wilbekin inserted into the starting lineup for the first time since serving a five-game suspension for violating team rules, UF’s offense clicked from start to finish Monday night.

Scottie Wilbekin speaks at a press conference following Florida’s 86-60 win against Jacksonville on Monday evening. Wilbekin apologized for actions leading to his five-game suspension to begin the season.

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Wilbekin apologizes for second suspension

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 25, 2013

JACKSONVILLE — Billy Donovan stepped into the media room with Scottie Wilbekin not far behind.

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Florida looks to rebound tonight

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 25, 2013

St. John’s may be coming to the O’Connell Center tonight, but Florida will be looking for St. Anthony to find its defensive game that has been missing this year.

Scottie Wilbekin (center) poses for a photo with Casey Prather (left) and Patric Young (right) during Florida’s basketball media day on Oct. 9. Prather will miss Saturday's game, Wilbekin is questionable and Young will see limited minutes.

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Suspended guard to return against JU

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 24, 2013

After missing the Gators’ first five games due to a suspension dating back to the summer, Scottie Wilbekin will play in No. 16 Florida’s road matchup against Jacksonville tonight at 7.

UF coach Amanda Butler speaks with the media during the Florida women’s basketball team’s annual media day at the University Women’s Club on Oct. 9.

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Gators troubled by strong opponents

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 24, 2013

Correlation does not equal causation. At least the Gators hope not.

Patric Young dunks the ball during Florida’s 79-59 victory against Middle Tennessee on Thursday in the O’Connell Center. Young had 16 points.

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Young dominant as Gators cruise to win

By LANDON WATNICK< | Nov. 21, 2013

Without freshman point guard Kasey Hill (high ankle sprain), the Gators struggled to play organized on the offensive end early Thursday night. But they eventually figured it out and cruised to a big win.

Sophomore forward Christin Mercer attempts a layup during the Gators' 76-68 loss to the Seminoles on Thursday night in the O’Connell Center.

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Florida falls to in-state rival Florida State

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 21, 2013

The Seminoles gave the Gators a taste of their own medicine on Thursday night in the O’Connell Center.

Dorian Finney-Smith attempts a shot during Florida’s 86-56 victory against Arkansas-Little Rock on Saturday in the O’Connell Center.

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Forward flashing versatility for UF

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 20, 2013

At 6-foot-8, Dorian Finney-Smith is a sight to see when he brings the ball up the court.

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Florida motivated to avenge last year's loss to Florida State

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 20, 2013

Today at 5 p.m., Florida seeks redemption against in-state rival Florida State.

Kasey Hill attempts a shot during Florida’s 67-53 victory against Southern on Monday in the O’Connell Center. Hill suffered a high ankle sprain in the game.

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Hill injury problematic

By LANDON WATNICK< | Nov. 19, 2013

It was supposed to be a regular move in Kasey Hill’s repertoire.

Kasey Hill lies on the ground after suffering an ankle injury during the second half of Florida’s 67-53 victory against Southern in the O’Connell Center on Monday. Hill is expected to miss at least one month due to a high ankle sprain.

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Florida loses freshman guard in win against Southern

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 18, 2013

Just two minutes into the second half of No. 16 Florida’s 67-53 victory against Southern on Monday night, point guard Kasey Hill suffered a high left ankle sprain after being fouled driving to the basket.

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UF looking for consistency early in season

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 18, 2013

Two very different Gators teams took the floor last week.

Dorian Finney-Smith attempts a layup during Florida’s 86-56 victory against Arkansas-Little Rock on Saturday in the O’Connell Center.

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Redshirt sophomore transfer enjoys successful UF debut

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 17, 2013

There was no red carpet rolled out for Dorian Finney-Smith on Saturday night.

Redshirt junior guard Kayla Lewis poses during Florida women’s basketball’s media day.

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Lewis scores 21 points to lead Florida past Kennesaw State

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 17, 2013

Kayla Lewis had a birthday to remember.

Redshirt sophomore forward Dorian Finney-Smith goes up for a dunk during No. 11 Florida's 86-56 win against Arkansas Little-Rock on Saturday in the O'Connell Center.

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Prather leads Florida past UALR after slow start

By LANDON WATNICK< | Nov. 16, 2013

After a sluggish first half filled with missed shots, free throws and defensive assignments, Florida picked up the slack against Arkansas Little-Rock in the second half.