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Gators take opener

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The Associated Press

Published: November 16, 2009

GAINESVILLE - Chandler Parsons scored 14 points, Alex Tyus added 12 points and 13 rebounds, and Florida opened the season with a 74-46 victory against Stetson on Sunday.

The Gators used a 31-4 run in the first half to pull away. The only suspense came in the final minute, after Florida missed its first 12 shots from 3-point range.

Florida had made at least one 3-pointer in a school-record 579 games. The streak dated to Jan. 11, 1992. Parsons, a career 31-percent shooter from behind the arc, kept it alive with a 22-footer with 31.2 seconds remaining.

Tyshawn Patterson led the Hatters (1-1) with 19 points. A.J. Smith added 12.

The Gators held Stetson to 29 percent shooting (16-for-56) and 2-for-17 from 3-point range. They won their 19th consecutive opener, including all 14 under Coach Billy Donovan.

Former Florida star and current Orlando Magic guard Jason Williams was on hand for the latest one. So was prized recruit Brandon Knight.

Knight's former teammate, Kenny Boynton, had 12 points despite spending much of the game in foul trouble. Vernon Macklin added 13 points and eight boards.

Stetson was 6-for-29 shooting in the first half as Florida rolled to an early lead.

Florida forced 18 turnovers, blocked five shots and had six steals.

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