The Florida Gators pulled away from the East Tennessee State Buccaneers to advance in the 2017 NCAA Tournament on Thursday afternoon.
The ability for top teams to survive a scare from underdogs is crucial for advancing in the NCAA Tournament. On Thursday, the Florida Gators got the ultimate scare from East Tennessee State in the first half of their opening round game.
The trendy upset pick matched the Gators shot for shot on the floor. T.J. Cromer made sure to drive right at the Gators and get his team rolling offensively for the Buccaneers. The Gators went into the half with just a one-point lead.
As the second half started, it appeared the upset watch was going to be real for East Tennessee State. A three put them on top of the Gators. That must have woke the Gators up, because they proceeded to put their foot down on the underdogs.
Steve Forbes’ crew proceeded to get sloppy with turnovers and Devin Robinson made them pay. Some highlight dunks took all the momentum away from the Buccaneers and the Gators seemed to have any look they wanted in the second half.
The speed of the Gators was just way too much for East Tennessee State to handle. Chris Chiozza came off the bench and sparked a huge performance for Florida. Their counterparts couldn’t keep up with him and that’s all the Gators needed to punch their ticket to a date with Virginia.
Next: Updated NCAA Tournament Bracket
Three Stars
Chris Chiozza was the spark for this game for Florida. His defense and 14 points off the bench gave his team the spark they needed to get the victory. East Tennessee State could not keep up with his speed.
Kasey Hill helped chip in with 14 points of his own. The senior provided the steady influence when things got close and he didn’t let his team fall out of it mentally.
The first star of this game of course is Devin Robinson. His 24 points led the way and he some emphatic moments that his team needed to pick up the win over a pesky Buccaneers squad.
Full Highlights
Florida rocks the rim! #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/T1qRcCMGyx
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 16, 2017
ETSU with the fancy up-and-under! #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/jYbqZgvvyp
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 16, 2017
Here's how u let the higher ranked team know you're serious. pic.twitter.com/abQ9oVvRcM
— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) March 16, 2017
Florida's Canyon Barry shoots free throws like his dad. pic.twitter.com/AyP4NMH7ZZ
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 16, 2017
hdsportsclips: The bank is open!!! Tru TV NCAA Basketball Tournament: Florida vs. East Tenn… https://t.co/NCdFKp6oW5 pic.twitter.com/Zct7LRg9kq
— FanSportsClips (@FanSportsClips) March 16, 2017
Florida wasting no time! #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/71hafuQgUx
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 16, 2017
What’s Next?
Florida will play the Virginia Cavaliers with a chance to go to the Sweet 16 on the line.