Florida basketball marched onto the Round of 32 thanks to some clutch performances from Colin Castleton and Tre Mann.
March Madness usually isn’t a one-and-done affair for the Florida Gators, who enter this year’s NCAA Tournament with at least one win in seven straight appearances.
That run is now eight after the Gators hung on for dear life to top Virginia Tech 75-70 to advance to the Round of 32 in the South Region.
The star performer for Florida was junior forward Colin Castleton, who dominated this game down low. Castleton racked up 19 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks, including this epic rejection in the final minute.
Castleton and Mann were clutch performers in Florida’s win over Virginia Tech
BIG BLOCK BY CASTLETON 😤@GatorsMBK | #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/XAMNTEgP6U
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2021
The Hokies did force overtime, however, with a late three-pointer from Nahiem Alleyne forcing overtime. The extra session was pretty much all Gators, who jumped in front early and got a dagger three from Tre Mann to bury Virginia Tech for good.
HE IS THE MANN @GatorsMBK | #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/phwwNYHHOF
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2021
Mann’s clutch three was part of a 14-point afternoon for him as the Gators showcased tremendous resolve after rallying from an early 10-point deficit. Florida also had to play without junior guard Tyree Applebee for most of the game after he left early with an injury.
This kind of resolve is something that has been a theme for the Gators this season, which saw the team have to reinvent itself after the loss of Keyontae Johnson to a heart condition in non-conference play. Johnson made the trip to Indianapolis to help support his teammates and Florida’s stay in March Madness will go on for at least one more round.
Next up for the Gators is a date in the Round of 32 on Sunday with the winner of the first-round matchup between No. 2 seed Ohio State and No. 15 seed Oral Roberts. The Buckeyes entered that contest heavily favored to advance into the second round.
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