sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Sophomore Madison Monserez (11) attempts a pass during UF’s 3-0 win against FIU on Aug. 24, 2012, in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

Defense carries Florida against Tulsa in first round of NCAA Tournament

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN | Dec. 1, 2012

When it comes to defense, Madison Monserez keeps digging and digging.

Sports

Picks: Conference Championships

Nov. 29, 2012

We here at alligatorSports Brand Picks Column weren’t the most well-off in the financial department to begin with. Then we turned into a bunch of degenerates and bought way too many Powerball tickets on Wednesday night.

Junior setter Taylor Brauneis (8) celebrates with her teammates during Florida’s 3-0 win against Arkansas on Oct. 5 at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.

Sports

Two role players key for Gators award-winners

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN | Nov. 29, 2012

For the second time in school history, the Gators enter the NCAA Tournament with the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year and Coach of the Year.

Patric Young attempts a shot during UF’s 82-49 win against Marquette on Thursday in the O’Connell Center. Young scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds off the bench.

Sports

Patric Young shines as UF rides defense to win

By LANDON WATNICK | Nov. 29, 2012

Billy Donovan wanted to send Patric Young a message. Young heard him loud and clear.

Forward Jennifer George drives along the baseline during Florida’s 72-45 win against Belmont on Nov. 29, 2011, in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

Gators' Jennifer George looking for redemption

Nov. 29, 2012

Although Jennifer George was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection in 2012, Big Blue still makes her see red.

Forward Jennifer George attempts a shot in Florida’s 84-65 win against Georgia State on Nov. 11 in the O’Connell Center. In order to improve three-point shooting, coach Amanda Butler wants the Gators to establish the paint more with post players such as George.

Sports

Florida women's basketball struggling from behind the arc

Nov. 28, 2012

The Gators have struggled from three-point range this season. But, much to the chagrin of coach Amanda Butler, that hasn’t stopped them from trying.

Sports

UF tennis builds indoor facility

Nov. 28, 2012

Come December, Florida will be able to practice year-round.

Florida center Patric Young (4) dunks the ball during an 84-35 win against Alabama State on Nov. 11 at the O’Connell Center. Young scored 12 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the victory.

Sports

Patric Young, Gators to be tested after early start

By LANDON WATNICK | Nov. 28, 2012

For the Gators, this season’s first five games have been a cakewalk.

Coach Will Muschamp exchanges words with an official during Florida’s 37-26 win against Florida State on Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

Sports

Coaching key for UF football

By ADAM PINCUS | Nov. 28, 2012

Sugar never tasted so bittersweet.

Safety Matt Elam intercepts a pass thrown by EJ Manuel during Florida’s 37-26 win against Florida State on Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

Sports

Safety Matt Elam thriving as silent leader

By ADAM PINCUS | Nov. 27, 2012

Will Muschamp made sure he didn’t make the same mistake twice.

Running back Mike Gillislee dives into the end zone during Florida’s 37-26 win against Florida State on Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. Gillislee ran for 140 yards and two scores in the win.

Sports

Defense, run game key to shocking year

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Nov. 27, 2012

I was wrong.

Sophomore Loucheiz Purifoy carries the ball down the field during Florida’s 37-26 win against Florida State on Nov. 24 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

Sports

Loucheiz Purifoy emerging as versatile threat

By JOE MORGAN | Nov. 27, 2012

As a freshman, Loucheiz Purifoy struggled to get on the field. One year later, Florida can’t take him off it.

Guard Chandler Cooper (5) dribbles past Georgia State guard Ashley Watson during the Gators’ 84-65 win on Nov. 11 in the O’Connell Center. After seeing time in only three games for the Gators in 2012-13 because of a left foot injury, Cooper has decided to transfer to Lipscomb University.

Sports

Injury to freshman guard Chandler Cooper a major blow to depleted Gators

Nov. 27, 2012

Coach Amanda Butler thinks freshman Chandler Cooper can be an effective player, but an injured left arch has thrown a wrench into the plan.

Coach Billy Donovan speaks with the media after the cancellation of UF’s game against Georgetown on Nov. 9 aboard the USS Bataan in Jacksonville. The game was called due to condensation on the court.

Sports

Scottie Wilbekin's career game not enough to earn starting spot

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Nov. 27, 2012

During Florida’s 79-66 win against UCF on Friday, junior Scottie Wilbekin set new career highs in four categories. He finished with 17 points, eight assists and five rebounds in 32 minutes.

Running back Matt Jones runs the ball during UF’s 37-26 win against FSU on Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium. Jones has established himself as the front runner to win Florida's starting running back job.

Sports

Freshman Matt Jones developing into powerful threat

By GREG LUCA | Nov. 27, 2012

When he arrived at UF, Matt Jones tried to bounce runs outside too often. Now, his teammates call him “The Bruiser.”

Leon Orr gets into his stance during UF’s 44-11 win against South Carolina on Oct. 20, 2012, in The Swamp.

Sports

Injured Jelani Jenkins likely to miss bowl game

By ADAM PINCUS | Nov. 26, 2012

After a fractured right thumb and a hamstring injury kept linebacker Jelani Jenkins out of three games this season, a broken fifth metatarsal will keep him out of Florida’s bowl game. He underwent surgery on Monday morning and is expected to be out four to six weeks.

Quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) eludes Josh Evans during UF’s 20-17 win at Texas A&M on Sept. 8.

Sports

UF deserves spot in title game

By JOE MORGAN | Nov. 26, 2012

When No. 1 Notre Dame takes the field for the BCS National Championship Game in Miami on Jan. 7, a Southeastern Conference team will be on the opposite sideline.

Linebacker Antonio Morrison attempts a tackle during Florida’s 37-26 win against Florida State on Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Sports

Freshman linebacker expected to see larger role after early success

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Nov. 26, 2012

When Antonio Morrison has played, the results have been promising. Coach Will Muschamp is expecting them to only get better.

Erik Murphy (33) and Patric Young (4) try to block a shot from Jared Berggren during Florida's 74-56 win at home against Wisconsin on Nov. 14th. While the No. 13 Gators are 9-2, their defensive efficiency numbers have been down the last two games.

Sports

Gators defense stout early in season

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Nov. 26, 2012

After Florida’s 58-40 win against Savannah State on Nov. 20, coach Billy Donovan praised UF’s defense. On Friday, Donovan’s admiration had faded.

Florida coach Will Muschamp celebrates after defeating FSU 37-26 on Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. The Gators won 11 regular-season games for the fifth time in school history.

Sports

Column: UF should be proud of ‘12

By GREG LUCA | Nov. 25, 2012

TALLAHASSEE — James Wilson and D.J. Humphries stalked up and down UF’s sideline, preparing the Gatorade cooler for celebration as the final seconds ticked off the clock on Saturday in Tallahassee.