Monday, December 20, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - With a complete team effort, the JU men’s basketball team overcame a seven-point deficit in the final seven minutes to upset No. 20 Florida in overtime, 71-68, in front of 8,183 at the O’Connell Center.

Freshman Keith McDougald scored a season-high 18 points, with 15 coming in the second half and overtime to lead four Dolphins in double figures. The Jacksonville native hit four 3-pointers, all in the second half, along with four clutch free throws in the final minute of overtime to preserve the win.

Jacksonville (7-3) was able to overcome Florida’s 48-31 advantage on the glass for its first win over the Gators since 1994, which was also the Dolphins last win over a team ranked in the top 25.

“I really liked our effort for the entire game,” said JU head coach Cliff Warren. “We did a good job of following the scouting report and executing. I’m really proud of how we handled the pressure today against a very good Florida team.”

Trailing by two with 30 seconds left in regulation, Ayron Hardy stole the ball away from Chandler Parsons, racing up the floor to tie the game at 61 with a dunk. Erving Walker misses a long jumper at the buzzer to send the game to overtime.