Florida jumped out to a 43-19 lead and cruised home handling over matched UC Santa Barbara with ease. Erving Walker led Florida with 18 points while SEC Player of the Year Chandler Parsons recorded a near triple double with 10 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. Kenny Boynton added 13 points while Vernon Macklin tossed in 10.
The Gators put on a clinic offensively recording 22 assists on 29 made baskets. Defensively the Gators forced UC Santa Barbara into 17 turnovers.
Orlando Johnson led the Gauchos with 21 points while James Nunnally netted 12 of his own.
Florida advances to the third round of the NCAA Tournament where they will take on the winner of the UCLA-Michigan State matchup later tonight. After falling to Kentucky in the SEC Tournament championship, Florida sent a message today to the other teams in the tournament that they are a Final Four contender and won't be an easy out for any team.
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