Three observations following Florida’s 65-41 win over South Carolina at Colonial Life Arena:
— It was good to see Florida continue to give senior point guard Chris Chiozza more breathers throughout the game. Mike Okauru and KeVaughn Allen both were steady with the ball against a pressuring South Carolina defense, combining for an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3 to 2. Yeah, Florida did have a handful of shot clock violations in the second half but also avoided the kind of loud turnovers that would have allowed South Carolina to get back in the game. Chiozza, who is averaging 31.9 minutes per game, played 28 minutes against the Gamecocks.
— Allen, though, was unable get going offensively in his new role as sixth man, going 1 for 6 from the field with just 4 points. The 6-foot-2 Allen missed a runout layup in the first half and had a first-half 3-pointer called back due to, you guessed it, a shot clock violation. It may take time for Allen, who already is not an assertive scorer by nature, to learn how to handle coming into a game off the bench.
— Florida was able to get in transition a little more in the second half, which created easier opportunities for two point baskets. The Gators finished with 6 fast break points. It’s not the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers, but it’s a start.
