The end of fall inevitably brought the end of football season and, consequently, left quite a bad taste in our mouths. An abrasive season for Gator football placed student morale on a hopeless route, a considerably strange feeling for a University traditionally known for its high-energy and passionate fans. The ghosts of football season’s past, however, are behind us and the arrival of spring came accompanied by Gator basketball.
On Tuesday night we watched the Volunteers wrap up the first half of their battle against Florida as they made way to the locker rooms leading by just one point. The Gator defense we’ve become familiar with and learned to expect were fairly disappointing in the first half, but they were quickly forgotten as soon as the second half began, walking away with a 67-58 victory.
Gainesville native and returning senior, Scottie Wilbekin, who prides himself on his resilient defense, has also proved to be a crucial offensive weapon for the Gators. Alongside Tennessee, Wilbekin went 5-of-17 from the floor, helping the Gators pull away with a 36.2 shooting percentage. Although Florida lacks the greatest offense in the NCAA, they were able to preserve a triumphant win payable to their unstoppable defense.
Florida is currently ranked second among the NCAA college basketball rankings, trailing behind the Syracuse Orangemen. After a dragging football season (and especially rare one at that, seeing as it was our first failure at become bowl qualified since 1990), this just might be what the Gator Nation needs.
The hype surrounding the upcoming game against Auburn, going down here in Gainesville, is widespread and taking monopoly over every Gator’s Wednesday night plans. The buzz around campus and the fanatic energy parading Gainesville pathways is vigorous as the town prepares for Auburn. You also may have noticed there’s a lot more orange and blue clad students walking around Turlington, and Facebook has become dominated by tailgate event groups, providing further evidence that the Gator nation is louder and stronger than ever.
Via: usatodaysportsimages.com
For the past three years, Gator basketball has earned a spot in the Elite 8, but found themselves ineffective at seizing a spot in the Final Four. Things are looking up, however, for Gator basketball this season and Florida coach, Bill Donovan, trusts his team to be prosperous this season. With voluminous respects for all university athletics friend and foe, I think I speak for everyone apart the beautiful Gator Nation when I say, “It’s Great to be a Florida Gator.”
Featured photo courtesy of: Gamedayr
