GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Colgate's hot perimeter shooting was not enough as the No. 23 Florida Gators were able to overtake the Raiders 90–60 at Exactech Arena.
Sam Wright and Kyle Carlesimo shot 80 percent from downtown (4-of-5), contributing eight of the 11 made 3-pointers. The team matched its season-high of made 3-pointers, which was last accomplished in its season opener against Michigan State.
Andrew Alekseyenko and Jalen Cox finished in double figures. Alekseyenko, showcasing versatility, totaled a combined 12 points from 3-point range and in the paint. Cox maneuvered around the defenders to create opportunities, recording 10 points and four assists.
It was the first time Colgate faced Florida; the Raiders shot 41.8 percent from the floor and the team's season-best 64.7 percent from beyond the arc.
COACH LANGEL'S COMMENTS
"Obviously not the result we were looking for, and Florida had lots to do with that. Their front-court won a national championship last year and now with Haugh playing small forward this season is even more imposing if that's possible. The offensive rebound at an incredible rate. It's one of those things that no matter what you do to prepare for it, you cannot simulate it. With that said, coming out of exam week, which is a hard week at Colgate, when we executed well, we got good shots, stepped up and made some and like so many other times this season, showed signs of being able to compete. As we head into a few day break, I'm encouraged about what we've learned about our group and very much looking forward to Harvard before we head into Patriot League play. "
HOW IT HAPPENED
The match began with an exchange of early 3-pointers, including a shot from Alekseyenko assisted by Ben Tweedy, tying the score at 3. The Raiders briefly gained momentum with another 3-pointer by S. Wright, assisted by Cox, to secure a 6–3 lead. This marked Colgate's first and only lead of the game as Florida responded with a series of baskets, eventually pulling ahead.
Colgate managed to remain competitive with contributions from the bench, notably a 3-pointer by Carlesimo and a layup by Alekseyenko in the final seconds. Despite their efforts, Colgate trailed at the end of the first half, 43–31.
Colgate started the second half with urgency as S. Wright assisted Tweedy on an early layup and then scored a 3-pointer in the next possession, narrowing the deficit to 36–45.
The Raiders shot 5-of-7 from beyond the arc in the second half, part of their 11-for-17 shooting performance from the floor. Despite these efforts, Florida's offensive momentum allowed the Gators to widen their lead through scoring in the paint and at the free-throw line.
Colgate managed to cut into the lead with key plays, including 3-pointers from Alekseyenko and Carlesimo, bringing their score to 54. However, Florida's scoring surge continued, finishing the game with the Gators taking a 90–60 victory.
NOTES
- Colgate's best scoring run came in the first half when S. Wright and Alekseyenko nailed threes.
- The Raiders scored 16 points in the paint and 18 came from the bench.
- From 3-point range, Colgate shot 6-of-10 in the first half and 5-of-7 in the second.
UP NEXT
The Raiders (6-6) will host one more non-conference match up against Harvard on Sunday before embarking on Patriot League play. Colgate will play Lafayette on the road on New Year's Eve to get conference play rolling.
