For a tradition-rich program enjoying a solid bounce-back season under a first-year coach, Florida hasn't received much attention so far this season.
That may change now that the Gators finally have the signature win they were lacking.
In a whistle-plagued game featuring 48 fouls and 47 free throw attempts, Florida routed ninth-ranked West Virginia 88-71 on Saturday afternoon in Gainesville. The Gators led by 15 points at halftime and never let the Mountaineers get any closer in the second half.
Florida's victory is a huge boost to its chances of making the NCAA tournament in Mike White's first season as head coach. The Gators (14-7, 5-3) were already a top 30 team in the nation in both the RPI and KenPom, yet their most notable victories came against surprise Atlantic 10 contender Saint Joseph's and a LSU team that will need to close the season strong to earn an NCAA bid.
Throttling West Virginia is a major credibility boost. The Mountaineers are 17-4 overall and in contention for the Big 12 title.
Maybe the biggest key to Florida's victory was that a team that shoots a modest 31.8 percent from behind the arc this season somehow sank 12 of 20 3-pointers. Crisp ball movement helped the Gators' shred West Virginia's trapping defense and find the open man whenever a double team came.
Senior forward Dorian Finney-Smith led Florida with 24 points including 5-for-6 from behind the arc. Freshman guard Kevaughn Allen had 19 points and center John Egbunu had nine including this ferocious put-back slam.
The absence of suspended forward Jonathan Holton hurt West Virginia because the Mountaineers aren't nearly as dominant on the offensive glass without him. They also committed 19 turnovers against Florida's pressure defense.
Before the game, there was no consensus who the third best team in the SEC was behind Kentucky and LSU. One marquee home victory doesn't necessarily make Florida a better choice than LSU or South Carolina, but it certainly strengthens the Gators' argument.
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