Colin Castleton scored 15 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to lead host Florida to a 71-55 comeback win over 20th-ranked Florida State on Sunday afternoon in Gainesville, Fla.
The Gators (2-0) ended a seven-game losing streak against their in-state rivals and scored their first win over FSU (1-1) since Nov. 29, 2013 in Gainesville.
Florida broke open a physical, defensive struggle in the second half, outscoring the Seminoles 43-25 after trailing 30-28 at halftime.
The Gators had four players score in double figures and held FSU to 33.3 percent shooting (9-for-27) in the second half, ending the game on a 31-13 run.
Anthony Duruji finished with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Myreon Jones and Brandon McKissic each finished with 12 points.
Malik Osborne led the Seminoles with a game-high 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting and grabbed six rebounds. Matthew Cleveland also had 11 points and six rebounds for FSU.
FSU made seven triples, but was limited to only 15 attempts as the Gators’ defense picked up its efforts during the second half while shooting 8 for 28 from 3-point range.
Florida was able to out-muscle the Seminoles’ tall and physical frontcourt on the boards, finishing with a 44-33 advantage on the glass and a 32-22 edge in points in the paint.
Anthony Polite totaled eight rebounds for FSU, but was one of multiple key scorers who were held in check. Polite finished with only two points as did Houston transfer Caleb Mills. Rayquan Evans also struggled on the offensive end with only six points and three assists.
For the Gators, Tyree Appleby struggled from the field, shooting 2 for 10, but made up for it running the point to finish with five assists. Phlandrous Fleming Jr. totaled nine points and five rebounds off the bench as well.
Florida will next host Milwaukee on Thursday night, while FSU will look to bounce back on Wednesday at home against Tulane.
–Field Level Media
