Gators Men’s Basketball Moves On To Elite 8 With Win Thursday In NCAA Tournament

The Florida men’s basketball team defeated the Marquette Golden Eagles 68-58 Thursday night to move on to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

The Gators received a stellar performance from guard Bradley Beal.  The freshman contributed in all facets of the game shooting 8 of 10, collecting 21 points while also racking up six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Beal says playing in big games on the national stage does not faze him.

Florida was able to hold Marquette senior forward  and Big East Player of the Year Jae Crowder to just 15 points as he got in foul trouble early and was never able to get in rhythm.

The win did not come easy for the Gators though as Marquette hung around late in the second half and at one point cut Florida’s lead to just six points.  Florida guard Kenny Boynton says at that point in the game he knew free throws were critical.

Boyton stepped up at the end of the game, making five of six free throws to seal the deal for the Gators.

Florida will play the Louisville Cardinals in the West Regional final on Saturday afternoon at 4:30.