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Buckeyes Pull Away Against Gators

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By ANDY STAPLES, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 23, 2007

Updated: 12/23/2007 12:11 am

COLUMBUS, Ohio - It counted for little more than pride, but an Ohio State University team finally beat a Florida team at something.

After having their national championship dreams crushed in two sports by the Gators, Buckeyes fans roared Saturday at Value City Arena as Ohio State pulled away from Florida for a 62-49 win. The Gators were 3-0 against the Buckeyes in the NCAA's two marquee sports since Dec. 23, 2006, including a 41-14 win in the football national title game Jan. 8 and an 84-75 win in the basketball national title game April 2.

Of course, most of Florida's scholarship players - and many of Ohio State's - were in high school when those games took place.

"It's funny looking out there," Buckeyes coach Thad Matta said. "At times, the average age was 18 years old on both teams."

But while Ohio State's youngsters seemed comfortable Saturday, the Gators continued their trend of missing shots against quality opponents. Florida (11-2) made 19 of 57 field-goal attempts, including just four of 23 from 3-point range. In the Gators' three games against teams ranked in the top 100 of the Ratings Percentage Index (Florida State, Georgia Southern, Ohio State), Florida has shot 32.7 percent from the field and 16.7 percent from 3-point range while averaging 50.7 points. Against the cavalcade of creampuffs that have filled out Florida's schedule to date, the Gators have shot 55 percent and averaged 88.8 points.

"We couldn't throw a rock in the ocean today," Florida guard Jai Lucas said. "That's what it felt like."

Lucas, who made four of nine field-goal attempts and committed five turnovers, had a great shooting day compared to his teammates. Guard Nick Calathes and forwards Dan Werner and Chandler Parsons combined to make four of 25 shots and missed all 13 of their 3-point attempts.
Florida coach Billy Donovan believes his players put more pressure on themselves to shoot their way into the game because they know the Gators don't have a variety of scoring options. Whereas last season Florida could pound it inside with Al Horford, shoot from deep with Lee Humphrey, slash with Corey Brewer or run a pick-and-roll with Taurean Green and Joakim Noah, these Gators have two viable options: make outside shots or go inside to center Marreese Speights, who averages only 20.2 minutes a game.

The Gators started strong Saturday. They dissected the Buckeyes' defense several times and jumped to a 9-2 lead. After a cold start, Ohio State found its shooting stroke. Florida never did. The Buckeyes led by 10 at the half, and the outcome never seemed in doubt in the second half.

After the final buzzer, Ohio State students mocked with Gator chomps a group that contributed little or nothing to Ohio State's year as Runner-Up U. As they walked off the floor, the Gators stared straight ahead at a harsh reality.

"We can play as much defense as we want," Lucas said. "But if we can't knock a shot down, it's going to be hard to win some games."

INSIDE THE GAME

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Ohio State G David Lighty energized his team with several timely baskets and smothering defense. He scored 11 points and dished out four assists.

STAT OF THE GAME: In each of its losses, Florida has shot four of 23 from 3-point range.

TURNING POINT: Tied 15-15 midway through the first half, Lighty made a jumper that touched off a 14-3 Ohio State run.

UP NEXT: Florida faces Temple in Sunrise on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

Reporter Andy Staples can be reached at (352) 262-3719 or astaples@tampatrib.com.

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