NCAA Tournament 2012: Florida Hammers Virginia 71-45

A game that was very close in the first half turned into an absolute blowout in the second half, as the eighth-seeded Florida Gators have advanced to the third round after hammering Virginia, 71-45.

We knew that this game would be a battle of styles and who was able to control the tempo. Virginia needed to keep Florida in the 50s to win and the Gators wanted a high-scoring affair.

It was Florida who took control of matters and never looked back, giving them a spot in Sunday’s action against the winner of the 2/15 meeting between Missouri and Norfolk State.

The Gators were cold from three, going only 4 of 23 in the game, but managed to take control by out-rebounding Virginia by 15 and holding the Cavaliers to just 38% shooting.

If Florida can find the three ball in the next game that will likely be against Missouri, then they could certainly give themselves a chance to pull the upset and advance to the Sweet 16.