BulldogBlitz.com - Instant Analysis: Freshman shines in exhibition victory

November 1, 2012

No. 10 Florida doesn't officially open its season until next Friday, when the Gators face the Georgetown Hoyas on a Naval ship. However, Florida beat Division II Nebraska-Kearney 101-71 Thursday night in an exhibition game at the O'Connell Center. Instant Analysis takes a look at what we learned in a glorified scrimmage.

IT WAS OVER WHEN: Let's be honest, this game never really started. Florida played sluggishly, experimented with a number of lineups, got all of its freshmen early playing time and still cruised to a win. UNK was severely overmatched and little more than fodder to hold Florida over until it can start playing real games.

HE STOLE THE SHOW: Playing for the first time inside the O'Dome, freshman guard Michael Frazier II was a bright spot for the Gators. Frazier was the first freshman to enter the game for Florida and consistently made an impact in the game The final result: 8 of 10 from the field for 21 points.

OH WHAT A PLAY: Exhibitions are generally filled with alley-oop theatrics and big-time plays against lesser competition. That certainly wasn't the case Thursday night. But playing alongside four freshmen, forward Will Yeguete took a second-half pass on the perimeter and turned it into a lunging, slam-home dunk that pumped life into the arena, if only briefly.

THIS STAT DOESN'T LIE: Want to see the difference between a Division I team and a rag-tag squad from Omaha, Neb.? Florida dug through most of its bench Thursday night, outscoring UNK in bench points 42-8.

THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: Pick one. The Lopers weren't going to match-up with the Gators in any area, but the biggest mismatch was on the boards. Florida is far from being a deep front court team, but UNK had no answers for the Gators in rebounding, where they out-grabbed the Lopers 20-15 in the first half.

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