GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) _ KeVaughn Allen ended a three-week shooting slump by
scoring a season-high 28 points, reaching double figures for the first time in
2018, and Florida used a fast start to beat Arkansas 88-73 on Wednesday night.
Jalen Hudson added 21 points for the Gators (13-5, 5-1 Southeastern
Conference), who won for the seventh time in their last eight games.
Arkansas (12-6, 2-4 SEC) fell to 0-4 on the road this season and dropped its
13th straight in Gainesville. The Razorbacks have now lost eight in a row
against Florida.
This one wasn’t even close.
The Gators hit 11 of their first 15 shots, building a 15-point lead in the
opening 12 minutes of the game, and pretty much coasted from there. Allen and
Hudson sank back-to-back 3-pointers a few minutes later, pushing the lead to
41-23.
Arkansas coach Mike Anderson kept searching for ways to slow Allen and the
Gators down, but nothing worked.
The Razorbacks cut it to single digits midway through the second half when C.J.
Jones hit from behind the arc, but Allen quickly answered on other end.
Allen made 8 of 12 shots, including 6 of 7 from 3-point range. The junior had
been quiet for weeks, scoring a combined 17 points over the last four games
while missing 17 of 24 shots and 11 of 14 treys.
Allen was the team’s leading scorer last season, but seemed to take a back seat
to newcomers Hudson and Egor Koulechov.
He was much more assertive against Arkansas.
Florida scored 48 points in the first half and enjoyed a 15-point lead. It was
the team’s best opening 20 minutes since scoring 53 against Duke in late
November.
Jaylen Barford led the Razorbacks with 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting. Daniel
Gafford chipped in 14 points and 10 rebounds.
BIG PICTURE
Arkansas: The Razorbacks haven’t won at the O’Connell Center since 1995, a
lengthy drought that dates to the playing days of Corliss Williamson. More
pressing, they need to win away from Bud Walton Arena to notch quality wins that
will be important to the NCAA Tournament selection committee.
Florida: The Gators played without center Gorjok Gak (concussion) and forward
Chase Johnson (illness), further depleting their post presence. They have been
without centers John Egbunu and Isaiah Stokes all season. Both are recovering
from knee injuries and expected to return later this month. Florida also got
guard Deaundrae Ballard (illness) back after a two-game absence.
INJURY SCARE
Florida point guard Chris Chiozza left midway through the first half after
getting hit in the eye with an elbow. He was evaluated for a concussion in the
locker room and cleared to return. The senior finished with seven points and
nine assists.
UP NEXT
Arkansas: Returns home to face Mississippi on Saturday.
Florida: Plays at No. 18 Kentucky on Saturday night.
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