In an out-of-conference match-up, Xavier (17-7, 8-2) dealt Florida (17-8, 6-4) a serious blow to their NCAA Tournament hopes.
The Gators were very flat in the first half despite playing at home against a quality opponent. Down as much as 16, the Gators got it going late in the first half and eventually tied it at 52 with 10:24 to play.
Once tied, Xavier went back to the game plan that built the 16-point, first half lead. They pounded the ball inside, knocked down a couple of threes, and made their free throws – unlike the Gators. Florida was 12-for-23 from the stripe and 4-for-16 from behind the arc.
Jason Love tallied a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Jordan Crawford had 18.
The Gators again had four starters in double figures, lead by Chandler Parsons 15, but as was the case Wednesday against South Carolina, it wasn’t enough.