GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Aliyah Martin scored 18 points, Will Richard added 17 and No. 6 Florida remained undefeated with an 85-45 win over Stetson on Sunday.
The Gators (13-0) extended their home winning streak to 15 games, finishing nonconference play unscathed as fellow guard Walter Clayton Jr. had 12 points and seven assists.
Florida opened up a double-digit lead early on, and began to pull away in earnest midway through the second half with a series of dunks and fast-break baskets. The Gators scored 52 points in the paint and 34 points at the break.
Coach Todd Golden’s team is one of four remaining undefeated teams in Division I, joining No. 1 Tennessee, No. 12 Oklahoma and Drake.
Meke Ellison led the Hatters (2-11) with 15 points. Josh Massie hit his left elbow hard in the second half and had to be helped to the locker room.
Stetson lost four of five starters and was devastated in the transfer portal after making its first NCAA Tournament appearance in March.
takeout
Stetson: This could be a long year for the Hatters and coach Donnie Jones, showing what can happen to successful mid-major programs.
Florida: The Gators continue to look like one of the deepest and most talented teams in the country. This win came after a week off, and the Gators had no issues after a long layoff.
important moment
Martin and Richard combined for 17 consecutive points late in the first half for Florida, turning a 13-point deficit into a joke.
Main status
The Gators had 19 assists on 35 baskets.
to the next
Stetson opens ASUN Conference play Thursday at Queens, and Florida opens Southeastern Conference play Saturday at Kentucky.
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